The manager of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, has said that the injury of Kieran Gibbs forced him to buy Nacho Monreal from Malaga.
Gibbs injured his thigh while playing in the match against Liverpool on 30th of January. Initially, the injury didn’t seem to be a severe one, but, the further tests confirmed that the English left back needed 4-5 weeks to get fit. After Gibbs’ injury, Arsenal was left with only one left back in the form of Andre Santos. That’s why; Arsene Wenger decided to bring Nacho Monreal into the Arsenal camp.
Monreal joined Arsenal just a few hours before the closure of the transfer window. The transfer fee paid by Arsenal is expected to be somewhere around 8 million Pounds. Monreal has signed a contract of 4 and half years for Arsenal.
When asked about Monreal’s signing, Wenger said, “Gibbs’ injury was the main reason why we decided to sign Nacho. We only had a couple of left backs in our squad and with one getting injured; we were left with only one left back. So, we decided to buy Nacho.”
“Initially, we hadn’t thought that Gibbs’ injury was that severe. But, when we sent him for the tests, we found out that he could be out of action for a month or so. That prompted us to go for Nacho.”
“Nacho is a fine player. I have seen him playing for Malaga. He is versatile and he can adapt himself according to the way we play.”
Wenger also hinted that Monreal might get a starting opportunity straightaway in the upcoming match against Stoke City. The Arsenal manager said, “Nacho has been in decent form for Malaga in this season and he is likely to get a playing chance against Stoke. Hopefully, he will make a good start to his Arsenal career.”