London, England – Arsenal bolstered its defense on deadline day by announcing the signing of Spanish international Nacho Monreal from Malaga on Thursday.
Monreal, who joined Malaga on a five-year deal from Osasuna in 2011, has earned nine caps for the Spanish national team. The 26-year-old will help anchor a Gunners defense that is expected to be without Kieran Gibbs for up to three weeks due to injury.
"We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website. "We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that we've been able to agree this move today.
"Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air. Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us."
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