According to La Liga News, Athletic Bilbao are looking to sign Nacho Monreal as Aymeric Laporte edges closer to a Manchester City move.
Monreal is predominantly a left-back, but due to defensive injuries, he has played at centre-half at parts of last season and a lot of this season – and the Spaniard has impressed massively in his new position.
Bilbao have also targeted Real Sociadad’s Inigo Matrinez, but it’s very unlike Sociedad to sell to their Basque rivals, so Monreal may be an option for them. Arsenal may be reluctant to sell if they haven’t brought in a replacement first, however.
West Brom’s Jonny Evans has been linked with a move to The Emirates this January transfer window, so if the Gunners sign the Northern Irishman, they may be open to letting the Spaniard go.
Monreal, who joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2013, has made 196 appearances since, scoring six times and getting 13 assists, whilst winning three FA Cup’s and three Community Shield’s during his time in London.
