Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal has emerged has a target for Athletic Bilbao this summer as Wenger reiterates that Arsenal cannot compete financially with the European giants.
Monreal arrived at The Emirates for 8.5m from Malaga and Bilbao are keen to bring the defender back to Spain who enjoyed an impressive FA Cup Final. Those kind of displays have made him a wanted man but also made Arsenal want to tie him down to a longer term deal.
Monreal, who has one year left on his current deal, is yet to sign or show signs of penning a new deal at Arsenal and has faced tough competition at left back from Kieran Gibbs who has also produced some impressive performances meaning Bilbao will test the waters for the 28-year-old who will be looking for permanent first team football in the prime of his career.
The lack of Champions League football at Bilbao partnered with his 28 appearances with injury in the season, makes Arsenal most probably the winner of the battle with Bilbao who have only qualified for the qualifying round of Europa League.
Although the lack of a long-term contract in North London may force a hand either way, either a new deal for Monreal or Arsenal may cash in on their full back who has racked up one assist this season from his overlapping play. Arsenal will be keen to get a solution sooner rather than later to the situation with Monreal a profitable source of income either earning the club more silverware and Champions League football or being sold to another club and funds being created through sales for Wenger to find another gem.
