Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed that he is happy with the performances of Barcelona target Nacho Monreal and has suggested the possibility of tying the player down to a new contract.
The 32-year-old has been with the Gunners since 2013 and has made his presence felt in defence, managing a total of 215 appearances for the Londoners.
In spite of the change in management at the Emirates Stadium, Monreal has managed to keep his place in the team, featuring in three of the club's four Premier League games, even going on to find the back of the net once.
Emery insists that he has known the Spanish international for a long time, seeing him from close quarters during Monreal's time in Spain with Malaga and Osasuna.
However, Emery insists that the Monreal he is seeing at Arsenal is a "new" one who, in spit of his advanced age, is playing at a very good level.
"I knew Nacho in Spain when he was playing in Osasuna and in Malaga. After six years here, I came and I know him as a new Nacho Monreal", Emery said at a press conference.
"I am very happy with him because he is 32 years old but I think physically, with his performances with us in matches, he is playing with a very good level.
"I think we need to find a new contract with him to stay with the Arsenal team."
Monreal, whose contract with Arsenal has entered its final year, is on Barcelona's transfer radar, with the Catalan giants looking at him as cover for Jordi Alba during the January transfer window.
