Josu Urrutia has admitted that Nacho Monreal “would sportingly improve” Athletic Bilbao but denied making a bid for the Arsenal left-back.
The former Osasuna and Malaga defender has only a year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and has been linked with a return to the Basque Country this summer, given that Los Leones can only sign players from the Euskadi region.
“[Monreal] is one of the players who could sportingly improve us, but we haven’t made a bid for him,” he said at a Press conference.
Regarding potential legal action from the Spanish government against the widespread boos heard during the national anthem before the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Athletic, Urrutia defended the supporters’ rights.
“I was proud of the 70,000 fans who gave the answer they did [in the Copa del Rey final], which contributed to the colour and atmosphere [at Camp Nou],” he added.
“[Any punishment from the Spanish government] would be a reward to the club’s fans.”
Urrutia also confirmed the signings of youth players Eneko Dome and Javi Eraso from Leganes and Eibar respectively.
