Arsene Wenger believes that the signing of Nacho Monreal will act as a major boost to the Arsenal squad.
The Spain international completed a deadline day move from Malaga on Thursday night, and could come straight into the squad to face Stoke City this weekend.
Wenger admits the signing was precipitated by the thigh injury Kieran Gibbs suffered against Liverpool, but he is delighted with his new addition.
“We believe he has the quality,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “He has been educated at Osasuna. He went from there to Malaga, where he has grown in stature.
“He’s a very intelligent player and plays the kind of game that can adapt to our style of play. That’s the main reason we bought him.
“It’s always stimulating [to make a signing], because it’s always a sign of hope and new ambition.
“I feel this squad is very focused and highly motivated to do well. We don’t need that [stimulus] but if it helps, it’s better. What is most important is that when the player plays, he shows quality. That is the best way to help the squad.”
Wenger believes Monreal fits into the blueprint of Arsenal left backs, and will hit the ground running in the Premier League.
“We have produced many left backs recently,” he said. “It’s difficult to find left backs of quality and I believe we have produced left backs of top, top quality.
“Ashley Cole came out of the ranks here. Kieran Gibbs came out of the ranks and Gael Clichy came here at the age of 16. Let’s hope that that successful history will continue.”
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