Unai Emery was overruled by Arsenal board in Nacho Monreal transfer after manager wanted to field defender in North London derby
UNAI EMERY lost a battle with Arsenal's board to keep Nacho Monreal for the clash with fiercest rivals Tottenham, reports say.
Spanish left-back Monreal was instead sold to Real Sociedad - ruining Emery's tactical plans ahead of the 2-2 draw on September 1.
But Gunners chiefs reportedly refused to hold up the 33-year-old's exit.
They sold the ex-Spain star a day before the North London derby, even though the European transfer window remained open until September 2.
And that forced Emery to play burly Bosnian Sead Kolasinac on the left of his defence against Tottenham.
The burly Bosnian caused a few problems of his own, though, for a Spurs side who had to use central defender Davinson Sanchez at right-back.
But the saga was surely especially frustrating for Emery as he was allowed to field Armenia wideman Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who came on as a substitute a day before joining Roma on loan.
Meanwhile, Monreal signed a two-year deal with La Liga side Sociedad after posting a revealing farewell message to the Gunners on Instagram.
He said: "Almost seven years later it's time to say goodbye, it hasn't been an easy decision, but thinking of my family and my future it feels that it is the right decision.
"I would like to say thank you to all my team mates, staff, and all the people who work for Arsenal and especially to the fans for all the respect and love they have always shown me.
"I’ll always remember you. THANKS."