Cazorla lauds Monreal impact

Santi Cazorla has hailed the contribution fellow Spaniard Nacho Monreal has made since joining Arsenal in January.

Monreal arrived from Malaga on transfer deadline day and has impressed at left-back, even scoring in the Gunners’ important 2-0 win over Swansea City.

And Cazorla believes Arsene Wenger got it right when he decided to bring Monreal to the club, with the 27-year-old following the same route as Cazorla to north London from Malaga.

“He’s a very good signing, and he’s proving it,” Cazorla told the club’s official website.

“Nacho is a footballer I really enjoy watching and playing with. I spent last season with him at Malaga and he was a vital player for the team. He’s adapted to the Premier League very well.

“What’s more, our style of play suits him because he’s someone with a lot of movement.

“I think Arsenal have really got it right with the transfer. I’m very happy because he’s a great mate.”

The ex-Villarreal man also revealed he has helped Monreal to adjust to life in England, and believes his compatriot is very happy with how things have gone so far.

He added: “We know each other from Malaga and I know it can be difficult when you first arrive.

“I had the exact same experience and, thanks to Mikel (Arteta), I adapted much better. So I know, for Nacho, it makes it easier to adjust if he has me and Mikel.

“We’ve tried to help him settle as easily as possible and, little by little, he’s understanding more. He’s got a feeling for the club. I talk to him every day and he’s very happy to be at Arsenal.