Five potential Nacho Monreal replacements
- Adam Hamdani
- @Adam23Hamdani
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As incredible as Nacho Monreal has been over the last two seasons, and still is, there is no doubt that as the Spaniard closes in on his 30th birthday, Arsene Wenger will have one eye on a long-term replacement.
There are a plethora of options out there in the world of football, but who would the Frenchman realistically look to sign?
Here are five different contenders for the throne that Monreal currently occupies so well.
Aaron Cresswell
Over a season and a half of Premier League football under his belt, Cresswell is a fantastic option for the Gunners to consider.
Has real quality when going forward and sums up the modern day full-back.
In his debut season for West Ham United, scored twice and bagged an impressive five assists.
At 26-years-old, the uncapped England star is reaching the best years of his career and will, without doubt, be on the wishlist of many clubs in the summer if he keeps up his impressive performances.
Chances of signing: 2/5
As good a player as he is, the Hammers are doing well this season and have a big move to the Olympic Stadium coming up next season. They’ll therefore want to keep a hold of their best players, and Cresswell is certainly amongst the best.
Jose Gaya
As silly as ‘touting’ players is, this man has drawn a huge number of comparisons to Jordi Alba for his style of play.
Quick, agile, impressive going forward and already a consistent performer for Valencia, despite being the tender age of just 20-years-old.
Gaya has been a regular performer for the Spanish club since the age of 18, picking up six assists in his debut season.
Chances of signing: 3.5/5
This one seems more likely considering Gary Neville’s side’s poor league position.
Gaya is a good player in an average team and Arsene Wenger clearly trusts youngsters, and Spanish full-backs. Should he join the north London side, he would provide a stern, pacey wing-back pairing with Hector Bellerin, both the same age.
Patrick van Aanholt
Maybe a surprise to some, but who can deny just how impressive the Dutchman has been this season?
He might have not quite made it at Chelsea, but since joining Sunderland, he’s really proven his ability and is one of the paciest players you’ll see around.
Van Aanholt is just 25-years-old and again, is showing himself to be a real modern day left-back, scoring three goals and picking up two assists for the Black Cats this campaign.
Chances of signing: 3/5
What with Sunderland almost certainly being relegated alongside Aston Villa this season, Van Aanholt’s impressive performances will have been noted by many and it’s unlikely he would be forced to play in the Championship.
Should Sam Allardyce’s men get relegated, the ex-Vitesse full-back could be a real find for the Gunners, should they take the plunge.
Ricardo Rodriguez
Certainly the most expensive of the contenders, but Rodriguez is a world-class left-back.
The Swiss internaitonal has one of the best left foots in world football and has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal.
While he lacks pace, Rodriguez is a fantastic crosser of the ball and is fantastic at holding on to it where needs be, while being strong defensively.
The 23-year-old loves to play crosses along the ground, something that could suit the likes of Olivier Giroud, who is often found running on to balls which have been played hard along the ground.
He’d likely cost upwards of £20-25m considering his side are not in a position to sell, with his contract not coming to an end until at least the summer of 2019.
Chances of signing: 2/5
This is an ambitious one, but there always remains a chance to sign a player when you’re one of the top Premier League clubs and guarantee UEFA Champions League football every season.
Rodriguez could be persuaded to join Arsenal, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez both were.
Jetro Willems
The Dutchman is one of the best and most impressive full-backs in world football under the age of 23.
His progress, unfortunately, took a hit, when he picked up a knee injury at the beginning of the season, but at just 21-years-old, Willems, without doubt, has a long and fruitful career ahead of him.
Willems is another who optimises the modern day full-back, strong going forward and a fantastic crosser of the ball, who also possesses an eye for goal.
The Dutch international is still learning his trade and has experience in European football, which could be vital should Arsenal decide to invest in his services.
Chances of signing: 3/5
Willems’ contract currently comes to an end in the summer of 2017, which means that if he does not sign a new one, he could leave the Dutch giants for a low fee. If Wenger pokes his head in early enough and begins talks with the players representatives, he could be a player experts look back at as the find.