Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has ruled out a move away from the club this summer and has claimed he wants to see out his contract with the club.
The 31-year-old left-back’s comments come after Marca claimed Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao were eyeing a summer swoop for him.
Monreal’s place at the Gunners looked to have come under threat following an average 2016-17 campaign, but he has stated he is happy at the club and fully intends to remain until he is 34 in the summer of 2020.
Speaking to the Sun, he said: “I am very happy at Arsenal and I feel appreciated because Arsene Wenger has shown confidence in me.
“I have two more years left on my contract, with an optional third, and the idea is to stay here.
“I played in as many games as anyone at the club last season and I have been made to feel an important squad member.
“We made up for the disappointing league season by winning the FA Cup and we all leave for the summer feeling good.”
Monreal was a mainstay in the Gunners’ back line last term, making 43 appearances in all competitions.
The Spaniard’s only goal of the campaign was an important one, coming in the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.
He arrived at the Emirates in January 2013 in a £8.5million move from Malaga, and has since played 174 league and cup games for the club.
The 31-year-old has been capped by Spain 18 times, scoring once in the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Macedonia in November of last year.
There is set to be fresh competition for the Gunners’ left-back spot next term, as according to Bild the North Londoners are set to announce the signing of Schalke ace Sead Kolasinac imminently.
Meanwhile the Mirror reported Newcastle are interested in signing Kieran Gibbs, who is rated by Arsenal at £15million.