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Arsene Wenger has long treated the January transfer window with scepticism and disapproval. Over-inflated prices cannot generally be stomached by the Frenchman, even with his team’s season on the line. But Wenger was able to shift from this stance in bringing Malaga’s Nacho Monreal to North London last month. In doing so, there were eerie echoes of 2004 when another highly-rated left-footed Spaniard’s performances for an emerging La Liga side sparked a transfer to Arsenal. That man was Jose Antonio Reyes – and the highs and lows of his Gunners career should provide helpful lessons for Monreal.

Spanish international Monreal, who cost Arsenal around £8.5M, is more a defender than a winger but insists he can excel in both roles. He is comfortable in possession and unafraid to mix it up physically. But as the 26-year-old settles into life in the Premier League, he could do worse than look at Reyes’ struggles and the cautionary tale of his compatriot’s erratic and ultimately underwhelming Arsenal career. The Sevilla man started brightly in helping the Gunners complete their unbeaten league season but, after a red hot start to the following campaign, he became homesick and appeared fazed by the physical nature of English football, most memorably in a league game at Old Trafford when the Neville brothers dished out some strong challenges and knocked Reyes off his stride. By 2006, he was back in La Liga on loan at Real Madrid.

All the signs point to Monreal’s stay in England being far lengthier. His debut against Stoke was a baptism by fire but he showed his resilience and drew praise from his manager. He also played an important part in the 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday as the Gunners clung on with 10 men for the last half hour.

"The satisfaction is that Nacho Monreal had a good start for a player who just arrived yesterday and is in the team", Wenger explained after his new signing’s debut. "He did not have time to think about it, but he got stronger and stronger during the game. There is no better culture shock than Stoke when you come from Spain! They had a very physical game and I think he dealt well with it."

The differences between the Premier League and La Liga are well documented – with the former boasting greater physicality and a faster tempo. There is a breathlessness to the English game, but there will be always be a place for a cultured left foot and an ability to make telling overlapping runs from full-back. In that sense, Monreal should be a perfect fit.

Malaga’s emergence took many by surprise but clearly Wenger was paying close attention. The Spaniards finished fourth in La Liga last season before Arsenal grabbed Santi Cazorla for a bargain £12M and Malaga have continued to earn plaudits by topping Group C in the Champions League, ahead of AC Milan and the much-hyped Zenit St. Petersburg. Now they must move forward without Monreal too.

As for Arsenal, there is no guarantee of a top four finish, despite a grittier look since the start of 2013. Everton and Tottenham seem determined to stay the course even with thinner squads while improving Liverpool have a favourable run of games in the weeks ahead. Missing out on the Champions League would bring major consequences – both financially and in terms of the club’s standing among the elite – and Gunners fans will be quick to confirm that the Europa League is no place for a club like Arsenal.

So often concerned by the lack of value in the January transfer window, there was no mistaking Wenger’s enthusiasm when the deal was finalised (ahead of schedule since it was supposed to be a summer switch). The Gunners’ other regular left-back, Kieran Gibbs, remains a work in progress and is currently out injured, but he will certainly benefit from the competition for places.

"We are delighted that Monreal has agreed to join us", said Wenger. "We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that we’ve been able to agree this move.

"He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air. Monreal will add quality to our squad and, of course, to our defensive unit."

Reyes might not have lasted the pace after a January transfer window move, but the smart money is on Monreal settling quicker and being a key cog for years to come.

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