Arsenal last night completed the signing of Spanish international left back Nacho Monreal from Malaga for £8 million.
The 26 year old made over 125 appearances for La Liga side Osasuna before joining Los Boquerones in the summer of 2011, along with fellow Gunner Santi Cazorla.
The defender has nine caps for the World and European Champions, and joins the clubs only 24 hours after Keiran Gibbs was ruled out for at least three weeks, and potentially spells the end of Brazilian Andre Santos’ time at the Emirates.
Monreal will be ineligible to play in the Champions League having already represented the Andalucía side in the group stages.
There were however no deals for West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Diame or David Villa of Barcelona.
Crewe Alexandra have extended Chuks Aneke’s loan deal until the end of the season, though Bolton Wanderers have reportedly cut short striker Benik Akobe’s spell with the club.
The England U21 international, who has been named in Stuart Pearce’s squad to face Sweden in Walsall on Tuesday, scored two goals in twenty appearances for the Championship side.
Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all been included in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley – a game that is being played in as part of the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
