Arsenal defender on Barcelona radar

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal's Nacho Monreal as they seek to recruit a back-up left-back to Jordi Alba.

The Spanish champions parted ways with Lucas Digne during the recent transfer window and this has seemingly left them short on the left side of the defence.

As such, they are aiming to bolster the position in the New Year and according to Mundo Deportivo, Monreal is among the leading candidates on their radar.

Monreal has been with the Gunners for nearly six years but his long-term future with the club remains under question with his contract expiring in 10 months' time.

As things stand, the Spaniard is expected to be free to discuss a pre-contract with an overseas club in the New Year but there also remains the possibility of him leaving on a cut-price deal.

Monreal, who has made over 200 appearances for the Gunners, has been regularly linked with a return to Spain with Athletic Bilbao over the past couple of transfer windows.