Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal 'are not far' from completing new Nacho Monreal deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the Gunners "are not far" from committing the long-term future of Nacho Monreal to the Emirates Stadium with a new deal. The French boss did however hint Mathieu Debuchy could be seen as surplus to requirements after admitting the French right-back wants to play a role in Euro 2016 but is struggling with a lack of playing time.

Monreal, 29, was also linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium during the summer of 2015 after reports in Spain claimed Athletic Bilbao tried to lure the former Malaga left-back to La Liga. However, the Spaniard stayed at the club and he since has become a crucial member of Wenger's line-up, establishing himself as the first-choice left-back ahead of Kieran Gibbs.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, Wenger has revealed the Gunners are close to securing Monreal's services for the long term. "Yes, we will announce that at some stage but it is not finished. It is not over the line completely but we are not far," Wenger admitted.

But the manager was more coy over the situation of Debuchy, 30, after he previously revealed the France international may leave the club during the January transfer window to get more playing time elsewhere.

"I'm happy with my left-backs and my right-backs. Debuchy at the moment does not get the number of games," he said. "The European Championship is in France soon and it is difficult for him to deal with that."