Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal has emerged as a target for Catalan giants Barcelona for the January transfer window.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is mindful of the shortcomings in the squad and is aware that he needs cover in key areas to last the season.
He is not willing to overwork Jordi Alba this season, but failed to sign left-back cover in the summer, with Barcelona insisting on getting someone from their academy.
Valverde is not convinced about the options he has on his table and it has been claimed that he will dip his toes in the January market to bring in a second choice left-back.
And according to Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal star Monreal has emerged as the club’s top target for the winter transfer window.
Monreal, 32, entered the final year of his contract with Arsenal in the summer, but has remained an integral part of the team under new manager Unai Emery.
However, there are murmurs the Gunners are looking to bring in a new left-back, which could push Monreal down the pecking order at the north London club.
With his contract running down, Barcelona are also aware that they could be able to do a deal with Arsenal for a relatively low cost if the player is prepared to leave in January.
Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno and Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian are also believed to be on Barcelona’s radar.
