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Arsenal activate Nacho Monreal contract extension clause - sources

Arsenal have activated a clause within Nacho Monreal's contract to extend his deal until the end of next season, sources have told ESPN FC.

Monreal, 32, had entered the final year of his contract with the club, but Unai Emery said in September he wanted the left-back tied down to a new deal.

Talks over a longer-term contract have been put on hold for now, but the move means Monreal will not be leaving for nothing at the end of the season.

Several first team players are into the final six months of their contracts at the club with goalkeeper Petr Cech and injured striker Danny Welbeck heading towards the end of their respective deals.

Aaron Ramsey is also down to the final six months of his contract, with sources telling ESPN FC he will see out the season before moving on for nothing in the summer.

Stephan Lichtsteiner is also into the final year of his contract, though the club have the option to extend his contract by a year.

Arsenal have confirmed to ESPN FC that Monreal is under contract until June 2020.