Arsenal sign Malaga & Spain left-back

Arsenal have announced the signing of Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal for around £10m, subject to the completion of formal registration processes.

Monreal has agreed a long-term deal, thought to be four and a half years.

The 26-year-old has made 54 appearances for Malaga since joining from Osasuna in 2011 and won seven caps for Spain.

Arsenal made their move after Kieran Gibbs was ruled out for three weeks with a thigh strain sustained in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

That left Andre Santos as their only recognised left-back.

“We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that we’ve been able to agree this move today.

“Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air.

“Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us.”

The 5ft 10in defender, Wenger’s only signing in the January transfer window, is cup tied for this season’s Champions League.

Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition, at home on 19 February and away on 13 March.

Monreal will link up with former team-mate Santi Cazorla, who Arsenal signed from Malaga for around £15m last summer.