Could Arsenal defender be heading for a shock January exit?
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On the whole, it’s not been a terrible start to the season for Arsenal. They’re sat in third-place, below Liverpool on goal difference, and have lost just two of their opening 16 fixtures, the joint-best record in the league.
And given that positive first-half of the campaign and the quality of players currently at Arsene Wenger’s disposal, it’s hard for fringe players to break into the first-team.
And one man in exactly that position is Kieran Gibbs.
Used primarily in domestic cups, Gibbs is behind Spain international Nacho Monreal in the Emirates pecking order when it comes to league games, and has just four top-flight starts to his name since the start of the 2015-16 campaign.
That’s not good enough for a man with 10 senior England caps to speak of, and aged 27, Gibbs is dangerously close to seeing his best years pass him by while he warms the Gunners’ substitute’s bench.
The alternative? A move away from north London.
It’s not news that Gooners will be happy reading, but the harsh reality is that there would be a whole host of clubs in England and the rest of Europe that would be ready to snap up the left-back should he become available.
And with Arsenal yet to begin contract talks with Gibbs, bargain spotters will certainly be on red alert.
There is another option, though, and it’s a route Jack Wilshere has taken this year.
Monreal will turn 31 next February, and that’ll make him four years Gibbs’ senior.
Such is the physical demand of Premier League football, it’s unlikely the Spaniard will be able to hold down a first-team place as he approaches the latter stages of his career. That means the left-back spot at the Emirates could soon become Gibbs’.
In the meantime, the 27-year-old should look into the possibility of spending some time away from the club on loan and getting game-time, just like Wojciech Szczesny, Carl Jenkinson and, of course, Wilshere have done recently.
What do fans think? Should Gibbs be allowed to leave the club?
Have your say in the comments section below!
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