Transfer Centre

Nacho Monreal completes Real Sociedad switch from Arsenal

| 31 August 2019

The 33-year-old left-back has signed a two-year deal in San Sebastian.

Nacho Monreal has completed his move from Arsenal to Real Sociedad to end a six-and-a-half year spell in north London.

The deal is worth a reported 250,000 euros (£225,000), with the 33-year-old left-back signing a two-year deal in San Sebastian.

Monreal joined Arsenal from Malaga in January 2013 and won three FA Cups and three Community Shields as a Gunner, scoring 10 goals in 250 appearances.

Wishing you all the best at @RealSociedadEN, @_nachomonreal 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2019

“We would like to thank Nacho for his contribution to the club and everyone at Arsenal wishes him the best for his future,” Arsenal said in a statement.

Monreal’s move comes on the eve of the first north London derby of the season, and leaves Arsenal with a defensive shortage in the short-term.

Though they signed a long-term replacement in the form of Kieran Tierney in the summer, the Scotland international is out injured and not expected back until the end of September. Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin are also sidelined.

✍️ OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Real Sociedad and @Arsenal have agreed the transfer of @_nachomonreal. Welcome Nacho! 🔵⚪️🔵 #MonrealTxuriUrdin #AurreraReala ⬇️https://t.co/KyoZ54hxvF

— Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) August 31, 2019

Monreal had started all three Premier League games so far this season, captaining the side against Burnley, but Sead Kolasinic is now the most likely candidate to slot in on Sunday.

The Bosnian has made only one substitute appearance so far following security concerns after he and team-mate Mesut Ozil were the subject of an attempted armed robbery.

Arsenal later confirmed that midfielder Mohamed Elneny has completed a season-long loan move to Turkish side Besiktas.

The Egypt international joined Arsenal in January 2016 from FC Basel and has made 89 appearances for the Gunners.