Nacho Monreal looking forward to Spanish reunion

David Villa is one of many who have got away from Arsenal over the years – but his former Spain teammate Nacho Monreal insists he can still be of use to the Gunners this summer.

Villa will line-up against Arsenal on Thursday after the former Barcelona and Valencia striker was named in an MLS All-Stars team packed with names from the past such as Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka.

Though now in the twilight of his career at 34, Villa could have become a Gunner himself after Arsene Wenger tried to lure him away from Barcelona during the 2013 January transfer window.

Villa instead opted for Atletico Madrid and has spent the last two years earning a handsome salary in America with New York City.

But according to Monreal, his good friend has still got enough in his locker to threaten Arsenal and help ensure they do not head into the new season undercooked.

“He is a truly great player,” said Monreal. “He is so ambitious. Wherever he plays, he is always hungry for more.

“He is not content with what he has already achieved but wants to keep on improving and that’s exactly what he has done.

“In Spain he proved himself to be one of our best players – one of the best in the world. In the USA now he carries on doing the same – giving 100 per cent and scoring many goals.

“He is the star of his team. His ability to score goals from any situation is just stunning.”

New signings Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding, who made the switch from Bolton Wanderers earlier this week, are both included in the squad to face the All Stars.

And Monreal added: “It will be a typical pre-season game in the sense that it will be very open physically.

“We will not yet be 100 per cent so there will be a lot of rotation of players – but the main purpose for us really is to gel together as a team.”

Sportsbeat 2016