Arsenal boost as star 'wishes' new deal to happen amid reports of return to Spain

Nacho Monreal has confirmed talks are ongoing over a new deal at Arsenal

NACHO MONREAL claims he is in talks with Arsenal over extending his stay at the club.

The Spaniard was been heavily linked with a move back to Spain to join Athletic Bilbao.

However, he has firmly established himself as the Gunners' first-choice left-back and has now set his sights on signing an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of the season.

"We are talking [with the club], we need to talk and reach an agreement. I wish that to happen. Of course I’d like to stay here," he told talkSPORT.

Since joining from Malaga in 2013, the 29-year-old has had to battle for a spot in the back four with Kieran Gibbs.

 

He has endured long spells on the sidelines but is now a key part of Arsene Wenegr's side, while club legend Thierry Henry has been quick to praise him.

When asked to outline the players who are key to their season, Henry said: “The back four is also doing very well.

"[Hector] Bellerin is doing well, Nacho Monreal is showing why he is at Arsenal and Petr Cech is doing what he is supposed to.”