Arsenal FC left back Nacho Monreal appears to leave the Gunners this summer to join Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, according to Inside Spanish Football.

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Monreal has addressed time and time again that he remains ecstatic and enjoying his football at the Emirates. With Athletic Bilbao knocking on the door, the lure of having consistent playing time may be too much for 29-year-old left back to pass up.

Having Monreal at the backline was very valuable for Arsenal FC, especially last season where the club endured so many injuries to their key players. He was also instrumental on the club's run to defend their FA Cup title.

Last March 9, he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United that put Arsenal to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. He followed it up with an impressive game against Aston Villa, playing the full 90 minutes in the decisive 4-0 win at Wembley Stadium.

The North London club has started to seek an appropriate replacement in case Monreal finalized his decision to return to Spain. According to Marca, Arsenal FC is now in talks with the highly rated Napoli left back Faouzi Ghoulam.

"The Gunners have been linked with a move for Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam but Marca add Arsenal are unwilling to meet the Italian side's £8.6million asking price and only want to pay £7.2m,' via Metro.co.uk

Arsenal FC have been in touch with Napoli for weeks regarding the 24year-old left back, who has attracted so many top clubs in Europe, including the 2013-14 La Liga Champions Atletico De Madrid and French giant Paris St. Germain.

So far, Napoli has insisted a fee around €12 million , but the Gunners want to close the deal within €10 million. Marca suggested that if the deal with Ghoulam gets completed, Arsenal FC will permit Monreal to join Athletic Bilbao.

Monreal still has a year left on his contract at the Emirates and an option to extend it for another year if he wants to. According to sources close to the club, the Gunners aren't anymore considering the option to extend his contract.

TagsNacho Mnoreal, Faouzi Ghoulam, Arsenal Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors, Marca football news, Athletic Bilbao