monrealArsenal are completing the recruit of Ignacio Monreal.

The left-back only arrived in London today after his club Malaga came to a successful conclusion with Arsenal in discussions over a transfer worth £8.5 million.

Arsenal did make an inquiry for the Spanish international after landing Santi Czazorla in the summer but Malaga stood their ground then and kept Monreal.

Following Kieran Gibbs’ thigh injury on Wednesday though, the Gunners went back for the full-back today and the Spanish club accepted their offer this time with Monreal set to move to the Emirates stadium permanently.

The 26-year-old who starred for Osasuna before joining Malaga in 2011, has now completed the basics of his medical at London Colney and is expected to sign a five-year contract believed to be worth £55,000 a week.

The man who has won nine caps for Spain could be registered in time to make the squad for Saturday’s clash against Stoke City. Spanish football journalist Andy West had more of the break down on the Monreal’s move.

“This would be a very good signing if it goes through. Monreal is an excellent ball-playing full back with a solid all-round game both defensively and going forward, and at the age of 26 he’s coming into his prime.” West said

Despite the relief of securing his services to fill in at left-back for the Gunners, Ignacio Monreal’s signing is not a complete fix as he will not be eligible to play in the Champions League due to being cup-tied after already appearing for Malaga in the competition.

“The only negative is that he’ll be cup tied for the Champions’ League but, if the reported fee of around £8m is accurate, it’s an excellent long-term deal.” he added

“It’s also worth bearing in mind that Monreal will be teaming up again with his former Malaga teammate, Santi Cazorla, which should significantly help the settling-in process both on and off the pitch.

“It is believed that Arsenal had been in talks with Malaga to sign Monreal in the summer, but the injury suffered by Kieran Gibbs during Wednesday’s game against Liverpool brought the deal forward.

“Incidentally, Malaga have moved quickly to line up a replacement – Vitorino Antunes from Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira.”

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