Athletic Bilbao want to sign Arsenal star

La Liga side Athletic Bilbao will retain their never-ending interest in Nacho Monreal when the transfer reopens in three months' time.

The Spain international has been constantly associated with a move to Athletic, who maintain the policy of recruiting players only from the Basque country.

According to AS, the Spanish outfit will return for the player's signature in the summer having failed in three previous attempts to lure him from the Emirates.

Monreal, 31, has firmed his place at the first choice left-back in recent seasons, but Athletic remain confident of a deal with Arsenal willing to sit and talk over a proposed agreement.

The former Malaga man has shown signs of fading during the ongoing campaign, but he still remains a key figure in the Gunners' plans as they prepare themselves for a major spending spree in the summer.

Nevertheless, the Gunners' intention to negotiate with Athletic could mean that there are prepared to move on from the Spaniard in the coming transfer window.

Kieran Gibbs is currently back-up option for the left-back spot, but there is not much confidence displayed by manager Arsene Wenger in his abilities.