Nacho Monreal reacts to reports Arsenal want Kieran Tierney
Arsenal star Nacho Monreal isn't concerned about reports linking the Gunners with a move for Kieran Tierney
Nacho Monreal isn’t fazed by speculation linking Arsenal with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.
The Spanish defender is one of the most experienced players left in Unai Emery’s squad after a busy summer of transfer activity at The Emirates this summer.
Monreal’s team-mates Aaron Ramsey and Petr Cech have both left Arsenal this summer as the Gunners lost two players with a wealth of Premier League experience.
Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny refused to link up with the north London side’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States to cast doubt on his future.
The Gunners have also released England international Danny Welbeck after his injury-hit five seasons at The Emirates.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to sign Celtic full-back Tierney, who would compete with Monreal and Sead Kolasinac for the left-back spot.
However, Monreal isn’t worried about his future at Arsenal, adding that the Gunners need new players to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League next term.
“I belong at Arsenal. I still have a contract. My idea is to stay here. It’s a great club and I feel really comfortable playing for Arsenal. My idea is to continue playing here,” Monreal told the Daily Mirror.
“I’m not worried. I trust in the club.
“Obviously, a few players decided to retire. Petr Cech, [Stephan] Lichtsteiner, and other players changed. That’s how it works in football. One day you’re here, then you’re in another place. But 100 per cent the club is looking for new players. They will come.
“Two captains left last season [Cech and Aaron Ramsey, who has joined Juventus as a free agent]. If I have to be one of the captains I will be very proud. Being one of the captains of Arsenal is to feel proud, we’re talking about one of the great clubs and I will accept it of course.
“This season is very important. We need to finish in the top four, the club needs that. The club needs it mainly for the money, then we’ll have more options to bring in other players and come back to where Arsenal belong. I hope we do it.”
Arsenal finished in fifth spot in the Premier League last term behind bitter rivals Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur.
Emery finished his first season in charge of the Gunners without a trophy after a 4-1 loss to bitter rivals Chelsea FC.
