Ignacio Monreal Eraso (the nickname 'Nacho' does not come from his love of Mexican snacks) joined Arsenal on the final day of the 2013 winter transfer window, from Malaga, with the club having tracked his progress for the previous six months.

The defender started his career with his hometown club Osasuna and made 127 appearances for the Liga side after progressing through the youth ranks. Making his name as a bright prospect, he helped them to get to the Europa League semi-finals in 2007 and earned himself recognition on the international stage.

At Under-21 level, he started all Spain's matches in the 2009 U-21 European Championship and soon made his full senior debut in a friendly win over Macedonia in August 2009.

The left-back then opted to move to Malaga in June 2011 and his displays helped to ensure that they would qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club's history at the end of his first season.

However, with financial problems surrounding the southern side, Monreal chose to continue his career in London when Arsenal came calling with a bid of €8.5 million.

Strengths: Monreal is known for his high work rate and has bags of stamina to bomb up and down the flank.

Weaknesses: Can work on his positional game and his final delivery when in a crossing position.

Career high: Signing for Arsenal on the final day of the January 2013 transfer window.

Career low: Missing out on the Europe League final in 2007, after losing to Sevilla.

Style: Quick, clever, strong, a modern full-back.

Quotes: "Arsenal like to keep the ball, which is beneficial for me and I like this part of the team's game. I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement. I think Arsenal do have certain elements of Spanish football philosophy. The Spanish people know that there are players of great quality in this team and I hope we can play good football." Nacho Monreal, January 2013.

Trivia: Monreal showed his sentimental side when he flew back to Malaga to say a proper goodbye to his former team-mates and staff after his move to Arsenal was pushed through in a day.