Real Sociedad ‘pushing hard’ to sign Nacho Monreal before Monday in transfer that threatens to leave Arsenal exposed at left-back with Tierney ruled out until October
REAL SOCIEDAD are reportedly fighting to sign Nacho Monreal, which could leave Unai Emery in a hole.
The Gunners signed Kieran Tierney in the summer and have high hopes for the Scottish international, 22.
But with the ex-Celtic defender sidelined until late September with a groin injury, Monreal has been starting at left-back.
Despite this, the claims Sociedad are hopeful of landing the 33-year-old before next week's European deadline.
Granit Xhaka was deployed as an emergency full-back last season, while Hector Bellerin is on the comeback trail.
But Emery would still face a huge problem on the left side of an already shaky defence if Monreal departs.
Tierney and Hector Bellerin are racing to be fit in time to face Manchester United next month.
The defensive duo have both missed the start of the season through injury - badly hampering Unai Emery's plans for his side.
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But they are now on the verge of resuming full training with the rest of the Arsenal first team squad.
And the hope is they will provide a welcome boost by being fit enough to feature in the big match at home to top-four rivals United on September 30.
Tierney suffered his groin injury with Celtic before his £25million switch, while Bellerin has a long-running knee issue.