Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has praised Nacho Monreal’s adaptability and he believes that the defender will settle at Arsenal within no time.
Monreal was signed by Arsenal on the transfer deadline day from Malaga.
Kieran Gibbs has been ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury so Monreal could be used this weekend against Stoke City.
“Our scouts have followed his progress for a while and of course we had a blow with the Gibbs injury, which is a bit longer than expected,” the manager spoke at his weekly press conference.
“We expected [him to be out for] two to three weeks, but it will be four to six, so we were in a position where we had to make a quick decision. That explains our buy.
“We bought Monreal as a left back but he can play as well as a left-sided midfielder. We bought him as well because we believe he can integrate into our style of play and adapt very quickly to that.
“He has the characteristics to play our game because he is very mobile, has a good left foot and is very good in combination play. That is vital in our style of play.
“He is available for the Stoke game. I have not made a decision yet.”
Monreal was a product of the Spanish side Osasuna’s youth academy and was then signed by Malaga. He has also made 7 senior team appearances for Spain’s International football team.
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