Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal is a summer transfer target for La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid following an impressive Emirates campaign, according to reports from Spain.
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Spanish newspaper AS claim that Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has told president Josh Urrutia that he is desperate for new signings in the summer, and the Gunners defender is one of his main targets ahead of the transfer window.
They will, however, have to fend off interest from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.
Monreal’s contract expires in 2016 and AS suggest that Arsene Wenger may be willing to listen to offers for the Spaniard despite his impressive form this season.
The defender joined Arsenal in January 2013 in an £8.3m deal from Malaga, and while Bilbao are favourites, they are not willing to match the fee the Gunners originally paid for his signature given he turns 30 in February.
The 29-year-old has been a regular in his first full campaign at the Emirates but, in recent quotes from Wenger [via Inside Futbol], the Frenchman wants Kieran Gibbs to be his first choice at left-back.