Arsenal Star Close To Agreeing Bumper New Contract

Table toppers Arsenal are in negotiations over having one of their key players put pen-to-paper on a new contract.

Manager Arsene Wenger has stated that Nacho Monreal is close to agreeing a new contract which would keep him at the club till 2019.

The Spaniard who joined from Malaga has made 81 Premier League appearances for the Gunners gaining a cult-like fan base.

Wenger confirmed the reports but denied that the deal is concluded, telling the Daily Mirror; "We'll announce that at some stage, when its finished. It's not over the line completely but we're not far."

The 29 year-old had been subject to interest from Athletic Bilbao, reports suggest that the La Liga side would still be interested in signing the left-back at the end of the season.

Arsenal are spoiled for choice with Kieran Gibbs returning to form though Monreal is committed to the club despite speculation in his native Spain.

The defender wasn't involved in Arsenal's FA Cup over Sunderland, but could feature against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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