Nacho Monreal says he has no intention of leaving Arsenal this summer despite a link with Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard, 33, is under contract at the Emirates for another year and it’s believed we even have the right to extend that for a further year.

Speaking from Los Angeles where the Gunners are getting ready for a first pre-season friendly, Monreal quashed talk of a departure.

“That’s all rumours,” he told Football.London. “I belong at Arsenal. I still have a contract. My idea is to stay here.

“It’s a great club and I feel really comfortable playing for Arsenal. My idea is to continue playing here.”

While Monreal may be happy to stay at Arsenal, his future as the club’s first choice left-back could come into doubt if Unai Emery spends big money on Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.

The Gunners have spent several weeks trying to persuade the Scottish champions to part with their prized asset but haven’t made much progress yet.

Asked if further competition in his position could see him switch attention to life as a centre-back, Monreal said: “My position has always been left-back, this is the position I enjoy most.

“Football is changing, obviously sometimes our centre-backs have got injured in the last few years and the manager has decided I have to play in that position.

“That’s what I did but my position, and where I enjoy playing, is left-back.”

While Arsenal get ready for the new season Stateside, the club captain Laurent Koscielny decided not to travel with his teammates. After talks over a new contract broke down, the Frenchman, who has a year left on his current deal, has made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

It’s a messy situation, but Monreal doesn’t believe his long-term teammate’s situation is untenable.

“We respect Laurent a lot because he has played for Arsenal for a long time, he’s our captain,” he said. “It’s something between the club and him.

“What I would like is they fix the problem and I think they will do it.”