Arsenal transfers: ‘Ashley Williams never wanted to leave Swansea’
Arsenal transfers: Garry Monk is thrilled with Ashley Williams's decision to sign a new deal at Swansea City
Garry Monk has expressed his delight at Ashley Williams’s decision to sign a new deal with Swansea City, ending speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The Wales international has regularly been touted as a potential Gunners signing over the past season or more following Swansea’s Capital One Cup triumph.
Ash has given good service to the club, but he’s a quality player. He’s a big player for the club — let’s not forget that
Garry Monk
However, the 29-year-old defender signed a new four-year deal with the Welsh outfit on Friday which will see the centre-half remain at the club until 2018.
And Monk, who was named as Michael Laudrup’s permanent successor at the end of the season, lavished praise on Williams.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Ash. He’s got great affection for the club and he’s wanted to stay here from day one,” Monk told South Wales Evening Post.
“I’m just happy for him and happy the club has secured him again. He can now concentrate on being captain and the football side of things. He can go into pre-season with a clear head.
“Ash has given good service to the club, but he’s a quality player. He’s a big player for the club — let’s not forget that.”
Williams has scored 12 goals in 273 appearances for Swansea since joining the Swans from Stockport County in 2007.
