Sky: Arsenal reject eight-figure bid for 27-year-old
By Aramide Oladipo
Arsenal have rejected a £10million bid from fellow Premier League side West Bromwich Albion for defender Kieran Gibbs, according to a report.
Sky Sports report that the Gunners are looking to receive an offer closer to £12million for the 27-year-old full-back this summer.
The popular sports broadcaster claims that West Brom boss Tony Pulis sees the defender as the perfect candidate to become the regular left-back at the club next season.
Gibbs does not appear to have a future at the Emirates Stadium as he was omitted from the official squad to travel to Australia and China for the club’s pre-season tour.
The Englishman has spent a decade with the North London club but he has fallen down the pecking order during the last couple seasons and he is unlikely to be involved next season after Arsenal signed full-back Sead Kolansinac this summer.
The defender only managed to feature in 22 matches in all competitions last season but he still contributed with five assists.
Since making his debut with the England national team seven years ago, Gibbs has only managed to make 10 appearances for his country.
With the 2018 World Cup in Russia on the horizon, the defender might need to leave Arsenal in order to get himself back in contention for the national squad.
The Englishman currently has one more year left on his contract with Arsenal.
Football Insider verdict
It is very understandable that the Gunners want to get the most money out of the Gibbs deal as they might need the funds to pursue several other targets this summer. With Arsenal also involved in the Europa League next season, an extra body in the squad might be important and with Arsenal’s recent injury record, keeping Gibbs at the club could potentially benefit them in the long-term. The Gunners will be hopeful that West Brom return with an improved bid as they would surely want to complete all summer signings before the start of the new campaign.
In other Arsenal news, the Gunners are in a race with Tottenham to land this attacker from one of their title rivals.
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