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Arsenal may lose Nacho Monreal to Barcelona this summer, per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness).

The defender is being eyed as a potential back-up to current first-choice left-back Jordi Alba.

What’s the word?

Monreal will be out of contract in the summer, per the report, and Barca are interested in the potential of a free transfer this summer.

The 33-year-old has been something of a utility man this season, regularly featuring as both a centre-back and a left-back.

He has made a total of 16 Premier League appearances thus far in 2018-19 but Barca are said to be exploring the possibility of securing the veteran star come the summer.

Monreal is said to be aware that he will not be a guaranteed starter at Camp Nou but he is willing to take a back-up role behind Alba.

The Spaniard spent the entirety of his career in his native country before his move to Arsenal, playing for Osasuna and Malaga.

He has also won 22 caps for his country.

A worthy farewell

Monreal has been an exceptional servant to Arsenal, making over 230 appearances for the club and winning three FA Cups.

However, he is approaching the twilight of his career and one has to feel that it is time for the Gunners to say goodbye.

That Barcelona are interested says a lot for Monreal’s talents and he deserves the chance to choose his next destination.

As it is, it looks unlikely that he will remain in north London and that is likely to have a two-pronged effect for the Premier League side.

Firstly, they will be able to reinvest at left-back and bring in a young, promising talent, while also being forced- to say farewell to a classy operator.