Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona want Monreal as left-back search continues

Arsenal are continuing their search for a left-back with Barcelona looking to land Nacho Monreal this summer.

Barcelona see Monreal as ideal back-up for Jordi Alba, while Arsenal have been linked with Nicolas Tagliafico , who has impressed during Ajax's run to the Champions League last 16.

Monreal is 33 and out of contract this summer, but nevertheless Barcelona's interest intensifies the need for Arsenal boss Unai Emery to reinforce his left-sided defence options.

The Gunners have concerns over Sead Kolasinac's ability to play in a back four, and they are also looking at right-back options as it is unclear as yet when Hector Bellerin will return from an ACL injury.

It could be as late as October that the Spain right-back is ready to return, and Gunners legend Robert Pires said Arsenal should sign Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka .

Barcelona are looking to sign Monreal for around two years before developing a younger successor to Alba, according to Spanish publication Sport . They are also keen on Liverpool's Alberto Moreno and Filipe Luis of Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal would face tough competition for Tagliafico's services, with Atletico and Real Madrid , as well as Real Betis all believed to be monitoring the 26-year-old.

Tagliafico, 26, joined Ajax from Independiente last January. He has 12 caps for Argentina, and was included in his country's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

A source close to the player told ESPN that the 26-year-old would be open to leaving Holland, although the language barrier may make a move to England difficult.

Real Madrid, who face Ajax in the second-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, are believed to have identified Tagliafico as a potential replacement for Marcelo.

Brendan Rodgers' decision to leave Celtic in order to return to the Premier League with Leicester City could help Arsenal in the club's pursuit of Bhoys left-back Kieran Tierney.