Arsenal have started to ship out players as they have reportedly reached an agreement for Kieran Gibbs with West Bromwich Albion. The defender’s departure has long been pending and it seems he is set to bid good bye to the Emirates Stadium at last. According to reports, the Baggies will be paying a sum of around £7m including add-ons. They are scheduled to pay £5m up front and a further £2m as performance related bonuses.
Arsenal are looking for around £15m for the defender who has been confined to a corner in the last couple of seasons. He featured in just 11 games last season and the arrival of Sead Kolasinac has further pushed him down the order.
He has never been the preferred choice for Arsene Wenger during his long nine years stint with the senior side but has been a trusted aide of the gaffer. He has been playing the second fiddle to Gael Clichy and Nacho Monreal and has been pretty consistent with his performances.
Gibbs could have joined Watford as the Hornets reportedly agreed on a fee with The Gunners. The player himself would have been delighted to join Marco Silva at the Vicarage Road but the deal tumbled at the last moment as the club failed to agree on personal terms with the player.
Marco Silva’s loss is Tony Pulis’ gain. The Baggies manager has been hunting for a left back in the transfer market and Gibbs could be the solution to all his problems. Clement has been using Chris Brunt as a makeshift left back but the arrival of Gibbs would give him a sufficient cover in that section.
Arsene Wenger has already made his intentions pretty clear as he wants to cut short his side and Gibbs could start the proceedings. The English international has been preparing for a move and should be ready for a new challenge.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played for England in the last couple of years and a good performance at the Hawthorns might be able to attract the attention of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Gibbs is set to undergo a medical and will sign on the dotted line soon enough. He lacks pace and at times he could be very inconsistent. But a strict boss like Tony Pulis can grind out the best possible performance from him and the Gibbs would be hoping to turn the tide in his favour.
