Arsenal
What Can Nacho Monreal Bring To Arsenal ? 5 Things To Learn About The Spaniard
The deadline day has passed and Arsenal have ended up signing Spain’s 2nd choice left back Nacho Monreal from Malaga. According to the club’s official website the signature has been completed for an undisclosed fee and the deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes. So what can Nacho Monreal offer Arsenal ? Is he a long term target of Arsene Wenger or a panic buy to replace the injured Kieran Gibbs ? We will have to wait and see.
Nacho Monreal
The general consensus seems to be that Monreal is Spain’s second best left-back, only behind Barcelona’s Jordi Alba. But, on a closer look Monreal seems to be on par with Alba, but has different qualities (better at defending, average going forward with an ability to cross the ball). Arsenal at the start of the January transfer window were linked with several thousands of players but none of the serious rumours were about the defenders. A certain David Villa and several other forwards along side West Ham midfielder Diame were thought to be Gunner’s main priority.
Signing Nacho Monreal is definitely a luxury for Arsenal but a defensive midfielder and a striker were the necessities, which Arsene Wenger has failed to sign. On the brighter side Arsenal fans don have to see Andre Santos and will have to believe that Gibbs will return from his injury by the time Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the Champions league.
5 things to know about Nacho Monreal:
Nacho Monreal (Ignacio “Nacho” Monreal Eraso) born in Pamplona, Spain, Monreal is an youth product of hometown club Osasuna. The left-back made his senior debut back in 2006 and after 127 appearances for the club he sealed a move to Malaga in 2011 signing a 5 year contract with them.
Though linked with a move to Liverpool in 2011, it is said that Arsenal were targeting him from last summer in the plans of securing him at the end of this season. And for this reason he started learning English and will surely have a basic Knowledge now. With his former team mate Cazorla by his side he sure will feel at home.
According whoSocred, Monreal’s strengths include concentration, short passing, aerial duels and holding up the ball. He’s also won 83% of his tackles this season, which is 14% more than Kieran Gibbs.
Nacho is slightly underrated when it comes to National team selection as he is not far behind Barcelona’s Jordi Alba. After helping Malaga secure champions league qualification last season, his performances against Zenit and Anderlecht this season were top notch. He could have easily been Joan Capdevila’s replacement for Spain if not for the incredible development of Alba.
Monreal started his International career with the Spanish U-19 side but it was with the U-21 side he excelled as a defender. He started all matches in the 2009 European Championship, in an eventual group stage exit.
Quotes on Nacho Monreal
Arsene Wenger
We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us. We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that we’ve been able to agree this move today,” Wenger said.
“Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air. Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us.”
Daily Mirror reporter David Cartlidge
“Don’t expect any blistering spells of skill, or unnecessarily cavalier defending from Monreal. He’s steady and competent in his area, but this is by no means a negative—this sort of presence will offer so much to a team and will be one less problem area in the back line.”
Nacho Monreal will be pushing the England International Gibbs for the starting place and though he may not be a part of the Champions league squad, he sure will be needed in the FA cup ties and the rest of the league campaign. Overall a good signing by Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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