There was talk all summer of how players such as Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina may be considering moves away due to a lack of playing time, however one infrequent starter for the Arsenal who did not seem to want a move, is left back Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal shipped out a fair few first team players in the final days of this summer’s transfer window, with Gnabry, Wilshere and Chambers all leaving in the final days, either on loan or on a permanent basis. Debuchy of course failed to get a move away due to a lack of fitness, whilst Ospina is keen on fighting for his place. Kieran Gibbs however has made no insight into his desire to leave Arsenal, suggesting that perhaps he is more than happy to sit on the bench as backup to Nacho Monreal.
When Monreal joined the club back in January 2013, the Spanish star was very much backup to Gibbs, who at the time was doing a fairly good job at left back. Arsenal had never truly found a good left back since the days of Ashley Cole and had tried out both Clichy and Gibbs for a long time, but neither had truly cut it. Gibbs often seemed to offer more in the final third of the oppositions half, than he did when defending and quite simply Arsenal needed stabilising at the back. Therefore despite Gibbs efforts he was replaced by Monreal, who hasn’t been displaced from the starting line up since.
Monreal’s consistency at the back has meant that Gibbs has been very limited in appearances for Arsenal in recent seasons. Monreal even tends to feature in most cup games, meaning that the only real opportunities Gibbs has had to play in recent seasons, is the final few minutes towards the end of a game, when Monreal is injured, or on the occasion that Wenger fancies a rotation at left back. It has meant that Gibbs’ rarely gets a game on the pitch, but surely at his age he must be thinking of game time over money sitting on the bench.
Gibbs was linked with a few clubs over the summer, most notably Liverpool at one stage, however nothing from any of the rumours ever materialised and the Englishman seemingly wasn’t considered for a loan deal or on a permanent basis. Personally I’m more than happy to keep Gibbs as a backup left back for Arsenal, I think he is a decent option to have in the squad. However from his perspective, I can’t imagine that he can be content with sitting on the bench most weeks and surely he must be considering his future at Arsenal?
By AH
We dont know what was said behind scene’s, maybe more game time praised.
If not then although loyal, attitude is a concern. Not attitude like Debuchy had, but attitude meaning no ambition or drive, which might be the worst kind.
Gibbs has been average the, who would want him if his salary is high.
Anyone know how much he earns?
A couple of websites have his salary as £60k per week.
If Nacho Monreal,gets injured or have fitness issues perhaps,who would you call on? GIBBS,he can also play on the left wings if needed,so what’s there to regret,must you fans make a topic out everything that comes to your mind?