Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton battle West Brom in pursuit of Arsenal full-back

By Ethan Evans

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Keiran Gibbs of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on May 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Keiran Gibbs of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on May 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Recent reports have suggested that Southampton are battling for the signature of Arsenal fullback Kieran Gibbs.

This comes after rumours of interest surrounding Southampton left back Ryan Bertrand, with the likes of Manchester City apparently vying for his services.

Kieran Gibbs is an Arsenal academy graduate and has been at the Gunners since 2007. In his 10 year stay, which includes a brief loan spell at Norwich, he has accumulated 2 goals in 137 appearances.

In recent years, Gibbs has always be there or thereabouts regarding the Arsenal first team. He had pretty difficult competition with the Spaniard Nacho Monreal, although he did feature 11 times last season (three of those being substitute appearances).

However, his chances of even featuring next season are dismally low, with the recent signing of Bosnian left full back Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from FC Schalke. Gibbs is definitely on the fringes, with my guesses that he will not be happy being third choice. This is with teams such as Southampton, West Brom and Newcastle United apparently interested in signing the 27-year-old.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Alexis Sanchez (L) of Arsenal celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates Kieran Gibbs (C) and Theo Walcott (R) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Hull City at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Alexis Sanchez (L) of Arsenal celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates Kieran Gibbs (C) and Theo Walcott (R) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Hull City at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Why this should happen?

One might argue that Gibbs should sign the dotted line  for Saints. This is because he is a good player. According to WhoScored, Kieran Gibbs has many strengths as a player. They note how he is exceptionally focused and that his overall defensive game is sound.

And after hearing his rumoured price of £10 million, it could be a risk Saints are willing to take. A good price for someone who has featured 10 times for the senior England national team.

"”We can not make a case of every contract negotiation. But personally I think that Gibbs should stay here” – Arsene Wenger"

The French Arsenal manager seems to obviously see some worth in Gibbs, and therefore he could be an asset at Saints. He could be a solid-enough replacement for Manchester City bound Ryan Bertrand.

Next: Matt Targett hoping for solid season

This shouldn’t happen

In my opinion, this shouldn’t happen. After Les Reed confirmed that there’d be no key departures, his arrival would make no sense with Bertrand staying put. He wouldn’t want to play second fiddle again so this move seems meaningless for all parties.

Additionally, this move could be undeniably detrimental to the development and progression of the likes of Sam McQueen and Matt Targett. The former being one of the highlights of Saints season last year, and a move for someone who looks to be taking his place would move him to the back of the line.  Also, that £1 0million could be used to acquire a player in a position that is needed.

So, to conclude, Kieran Gibbs is a solid player that could do a good job for Saints if Bertrand was ever to depart. But since we have been given assurances by the board, this move should never be completed in the best interests of both Saints and the player himself.