Morgan Gibbs-White: Arsenal told of 'huge' Nottingham Forest demands as sale decision made

Morgan Gibbs-White is seen as a crucial part of the long-term plans at Nottingham Forest and they aim to block any exit this summer.

The 26-year-old has attracted high-profile interest from Arsenal among other top European clubs, but they will face a battle to prise him away from the City Ground.

Vitor Pereira is determined to keep his best players at the club long-term, and with speculation growing around Elliot Anderson, his teammate is unlikely to follow.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest will do everything in their power to stop Gibbs-White leaving any time soon.

Should the club need to sell players, there are a number of fringe players on the books who can be moved on without impacting the team's chances.

Could Arsenal make a move to sign Morgan Gibbs-White?

Football Insider revealed on 24 May that Arsenal are readying a move for Gibbs-White and could move quickly in an attempt to beat rivals to his signature.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad this summer, and views the Nottingham Forest star as an upgrade on his current options despite their success.

However, Nottingham Forest's reluctance to entertain a move could put clubs off of making a move, with his price tag set to be "huge".

"Nottingham Forest have no plans to sell Gibbs-White," Brown told Football Insider.

"It doesn't matter who's interested, whether it's Arsenal or anybody else, because they're not going to want to lose a player who has been so crucial to them recently.

"He's on a big new contract he signed last year, so there are no concerns there, and Forest are going to be demanding huge money, but at any price a deal will be difficult.

"If it's a financial issue, there are other players in the squad who they would prefer to let go, a lot of players are on the fringes and could raise some money.

"To put it simply, they cannot afford to lose both Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White, and by all accounts it seems like Anderson will move on.

"The manager and the owner do not want to see the squad weakened with those two both leaving, so as far as they're concerned, he won't be allowed to move on."

How will Elliot Anderson impact Gibbs-White's future?

Part of the reason for Forest's reluctance when it comes to a move for Gibbs-White is that they are preparing for Anderson to leave the club this summer.

The England international, currently in the USA with the Three Lions, has been subject to offers from Man City already, with Man United also keen.

Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man City are confident of signing Anderson and believe they will be able to strike a deal.

While Forest are sticking to a price tag of over £100million, negotiations are already underway, and there is a growing feeling he will eventually make the move.

With one star midfielder now increasinfly likely to move on, it will only strengthen Forest's resolve with regard to Gibbs-White, as his exit is highly unlikely.