Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs is being targeted for a move this summer, but could he still play a role for us this coming season?
The England international has played a bit-part role in our first-team squad in recent seasons, and is being eyed by Newcastle, who are supposedly willing to pay £15 Million for his signature this summer.
Our club already has a ready-made replacement joining once the transfer window opens, having agreed a pre-contract agreement with Saed Kolasinac of Schalke. The left-back was one of, if not the, best left-backs in the Bundesliga this term, and it looks to have been some shrewd business to have landed him on a free transfer.
He will be expected to come in for a first-team role this season, but it wouldn’t be the first time that a player has moved from abroad with a strong reputation, and failed to settle with the pace and strength of the Premier League.
Our club would of course not have to rely on him solely for the left-back or left wing-back role however, with Nacho Monreal believed to be staying put. Monreal has been impressing on the left of the back-three however, and could well find himself continuing as a makeshift centre-back, which would increase the need for options at wing-back.
Kieran Gibbs and Monreal have been fielded in the same starting XI in the new system, and the former has been impressing in his new role, and it seems a harsh realisation that we could now sell him, just as we appear to be getting his best out of him.
The problem stems from his contract however, with only one year remaining on his current deal, and to keep him, we would most likely have to strike new terms, whilst guaranteeing him a some level of first-team football, which may well leave us with no choice but to sell.
£15 Million for a player with only one year on his deal poses at a more than reasonable fee, but it does seem a shame to lose him as he is finally showing his ability.
Could we keep all three of Gibbs, Kolasinac and Monreal happy in the squad? Does Gibbs deserve to continue his run of form from the end of the season? Is £15 Million too much to turn down?
Pat J