Arsenal move for Málaga's Monreal

Arsenal FC have completed the signing of Spanish international Nacho Monreal from Málaga CF, with the defender agreeing terms on a long-term contract.

The Gunners are thought to have paid in the region of €10m for the 26-year-old left-back, who arrives in England having made 45 Liga appearances for the Andalusian side. Monreal joined Málaga in June 2011 from home-town club CA Osasuna, missing just seven league games as they finished fourth last term. He has been capped nine times by Spain since his debut in a friendly against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in August 2009. 

"We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us," said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who recruited Santi Cazorla from Málaga last summer. "We have been monitoring him for some time and are really pleased we've been able to agree this move.

"Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at club and international level. He is technically gifted, 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."