Many sources are reporting that Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal from Malaga, for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £8 million. Arsenal have been very quiet about who may join the club before the end of the transfer window, but it is thought that they are now looking to bring in a left-back following an injury to Kieran Gibbs. Gibbs is out for 3 weeks with a thigh injury suffered in last night’s draw against Liverpool and Andre Santos has not exactly proved to be Arsene Wenger’s best signing. The Monreal story is already being reported by many high profile news agencies, including BBC Sport.
Another player to watch closely is Athletic Bilbao central defender Fernando Amorebieta. The idea would be for Amorebieta to play in the centre and to switch Thomas Vermaelen to left-back (while Gibbs is injured). Bilbao have apparently withdrawn a contract renewal offer and are willing to listen to offers because his contract expires in June. I can’t say that I know too much about him, but it could be a good signing. You never know, we might get both Amorebieta and Monreal. Or neither…
The news on Santos is that if Arsenal can complete a signing relatively swiftly then our Brazilian could be on his way out, with Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray touted as the most likely destinations. We will keep you up to date as and when there is more news.
The David Villa to Arsenal stories continue to rumble, but there seems to be mixed news and differing opinions. If Twitter is to be believed then Villa is at a shopping centre in Barcelona, on the plane to Manchester and London, and at home with his new born baby all at the same time. Also, Barcelona have both accepted and rejected a bit from Arsenal. In other words, we know absolutely nothing.
Just over 4 hours left in the window. All will be revealed in the next few hours.
The post Transfer Deadline Day: Monreal, Villa, Amorebieta & Santos latest appeared first on STRAIGHT TALKING GOONERS.