Signing: Nacho Monreal

In this transfer window we have managed to secure a long-term contract with the Spanish defender Nacho Monreal. He is 26 years old and joins us from La Liga side Malaga. Monreal is primarily a left full-back, and since Gibbs has been ruled out for more than a month it is likely that the Spaniard will mainly appear on the left side of the defence. However, since he has played in Malaga he will not be eligible for us in the Champions League, which most likely means that Santos will be the left full-back for the Bayern Munich game or possibly games. Either way, Monreal appears to be an exciting signing, having made nine appearances in the Spanish international team. He was described by Wenger as a "techincally gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air", which sounds like exactly what we need!