He was one of the players thought to be on his way out of Arsenal following the appointment of Unai Emery in the summer. Nacho Monreal had just enjoyed his best ever season at the Gunners, scoring five times in 26 Premier League starts over the course of the 2017/18 campaign, but nonetheless, the Spaniard was expected to return to his homeland.

Some reports even claimed that Real Sociedad had agreed a deal with Arsenal for the signing of the left back. And yet the summer transfer window passed, the deadline came and went, and Monreal remained in North London. What’s more, he has started three of the Gunners’ opening Premier League fixtures.

Now, however, speculation is starting to swirl once more. Barcelona are the latest club reported to be monitoring the 32-year-old, with the Catalans keen to add some depth to their squad in the January window. Lucas Digne was never replaced following his summer move to Everton and so Ernesto Valverde is nervous about the prospect of an injury to his only out-and-out left back, Jordi Alba. Filipe Luis could be another option for the Camp Nou side.

So what happens if Monreal leaves in January? Could Arsenal cope without the 32-year-old? How important is he to what Emery is attempting to build at the Emirates Stadium? Should the Gunners be worried about Barcelona potentially luring away their starting left back in the middle of the season?

Reports that emerged on Wednesday suggest that Emery sees Monreal as very important to his Arsenal project, with the Gunners set to offer the Spaniard a new contract to ward off any interest from Barcelona or any other potential suitors. “At the moment we are talking with the club,” he said.

“I’ve always said I am really happy, I feel very happy playing for Arsenal. I came six years ago. I have a good relationship with them. We are in contact in any moment so don’t worry about that. I am happy here. That is the most important thing.”

Indeed, Monreal does have a good relationship with Arsenal and most notably with the club’s support. The Spaniard has become something of a cult figure since arriving at the Emirates all the way back in 2013, with that status only underlined by his impressive performances for the Gunners last season.

Losing in Monreal in January wouldn’t be a disaster for Arsenal. As popular as the 32-year-old is, he’s not good enough to take the Gunners back to the top of the game. But it would certainly be an unwelcome inconvenience for Emery just at the point he would be hoping to build some momentum towards the second half of the season. All things considered, losing Monreal would be a blow.

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