Nacho Monreal has urged Arsenal to avoid making a transfer 'mistake' by selling captain Martin Odegaard, while naming Paris Saint-Germain duo Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola as his dream signings for the left wing. Speaking to BetBrothers, the former Arsenal and Spain full-back offered his assessment of the club's summer transfer plans following their Premier League title triumph.
Monreal's Dream Left-Wing Signings
Monreal believes the left-wing position is a priority after a mixed campaign from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. 'I love Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. I think they are really good players, but look at the level of Bukayo Saka on the right hand side,' he said. He picked out Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams as a potential 'great signing' but expressed concerns over his injury record. 'Nico Williams, when he's fit, he can make the difference in any game. His last season was not good enough. He had a lot of injury problems,' Monreal added. 'Maybe if I was the Arsenal Sporting Director, maybe I would try for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola, then you get stronger and they get weaker!'
Odegaard Departure Would Be a Mistake
Despite speculation that Odegaard could be sold, Monreal warned against it. 'Martin Odegaard leaving would be a mistake. Of course he has had injuries and missed many games, but he's the captain and we know the quality that he has. There are not many players in the Premier League who can control the tempo of the game like he does. So I think he's gonna stay, yes, this squad will stay together and keep winning.'
Arsenal's Summer Business So Far
Arsenal have already completed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie for £34.5 million after a loan spell, and are set to announce free agent Illan Meslier as back-up goalkeeper. The club is also pursuing Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who has reportedly expressed a desire to join Arsenal. Last summer, Arsenal spent over £250 million on transfer fees, bringing in Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Gyokeres Expected to Improve
Monreal also backed striker Viktor Gyokeres to improve in his second season. 'Gyokeres can improve next season and I think he will. We cannot compare the Portuguese League with the Premier League. He did so well in Portugal because the level is lower than the Premier League. Gyokeres was good last season, but I think people expected a bit more from him, especially in terms of numbers. I like how he plays, how he fights for the team. But I would like him to score more goals. He's the striker of the best team in the league and I think this season he's gonna do a bit better in terms of numbers.'
