Arsenal: Nacho Monreal is keen to remain with the Gunners and extend deal

Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has committed his future to the club after recent reports linked him with a move away to Spain with Athletic Bilbao being suggested.

The Spanish international is entering the final year of his contract with the club and is yet to be offered a new deal, but the defender, who has overtaken Kieran Gibbs as the Gunners' first choice left-back is keen to remain with the north London club.

Arsene Wenger has preferred Monreal over the Englishman for the big games with the Spaniard getting the nod over Gibbs for the FA Cup final, showing that the manager considers him an integral part of the first-team.

The former Malaga player has also shown his versatility during the course of the 2014/15 campaign, when he put in some assured performances at centre-back during Laurent Koscielny's injury absence.

"I have one more year on my contract and I would like to stay at Arsenal. I am very lucky to play for Arsenal, and am very happy to play for Arsenal," Monreal said, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"If the boss [Arsene Wenger] wants me to stay, I will do... I only have one more year left on my contract but I am in contact with the club. My main intention is to stay at Arsenal and I hope I can extend my contract," the former Malaga star added.

The 29-year-old defender has praised Gibbs, and believes the club is lucky to have two good players in the full back position and credits the English defender for pushing him to give his best in training every day.

"Kieran is an amazing player. I can imagine it is really difficult for the boss to choose between Kieran and me."

"Obviously in football, only 11 players can start the game. The boss can choose between him or me. I think this is a good thing for the team. I have to give my best every day in training, or I wouldn't play," the Spanish defender explained, as quoted by the Mirror.

"I think in this position, we are lucky as we have two good players. I have played a lot of games this season, I would like to continue."