Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has admitted that he's keeping his options open for the future, revealing that he would like to return to Spain and play for Athletic Bilbao at some point.
Reports linked the left-back - who grew up in the Basque region - with a move to Bilbao in recent weeks, and the 30-year-old defender didn't attempt to hide his affection for the La Liga side when talking toRadio Euskadilast week.
He admitted: "I have great affection for Athletic but I think only about the present, not what could happen in the future.Although I am keeping all my options open. I have some good friends already at the club such as Raul Garcia."
The Gunners are unlikely to let Monreal go easily after the veteran made himself the club's first-choice left-back - but are likely to be considering putting togethera succession plan sooner rather than later as the Spain international continues into his 30s.
Nacho Monreal scoring his first goal for Spain against Macedonia
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Age proved no barrier for Monreal when Spain faced Macedonia on the weekend though, netting his first international goal in his 18th appearance as he directed Dani Carvajal's cross into the back of the net with just six minutes to play of his country's 4-0 win.
He's likely to start again against England on Tuesday night, andGunners boss Arsene Wenger will hope that his left-back can continue that form out of the international break and into Saturday's crucial Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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