Second La Liga side in for Arsenal defender Monreal

Reports last week claimed that Atletico Madrid were interested in Monreal after a breakdown in talks with Chelsea over Filipe Luis.

Linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, Luis may not move back to his former club and the Spaniards have indicated that Arsenal’s left-back would be a good alternative.

Having scouted the former Malaga man for a number of weeks in what has been his best season in an Arsenal shirt – Atleti boss Diego Simeone is keen to pursue a cheap move if he fails to lure Luis back to the Vicente Calderon.

But, he has now been joined by Basque side Athletic Bilbao, who are keen to pay just over £5.6m to include the defender in their side next season.

The 29-year-old joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2013 and has forced his way into Arsene Wenger’s side this season, playing at left back and in the central defence areas.