Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has joined West Bromwich Albion, the club have confirmed.
https://twitter.com/WBA/status/902844664163782656
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Emirates all summer, having been left out of the club’s pre-season tour and start of the new campaign, but had failed to agree terms with another side.
https://twitter.com/KieranGibbs/status/902845133913292800
Watford showed an interest in the England international but were reportedly unable to meet his wage demands. But now, his 13-year stay finally comes to end. The left-back’s deal with Arsenal was up in 2018 and the club have been keen to part company as he’s no longer commanding a starting place.
13 years
230 appearances
3 FA CupsThanks and all the best for the future, @KieranGibbs https://t.co/7mS6ja0lK5
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 30, 2017
Gibbs dramatically fell down the pecking order in recent seasons under Arsene Wenger, making just 11 Premier League appearances in 2016/17, amassing a paltry 703 minutes of playing time.
And with the summer signing of former Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac, it was clear his time at the Emirates was up. Gibbs made 230 appearances for the Gunners, arriving from Wimbledon in 2004 and making his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2007.
He’s had Nacho Monreal dethrone him at left-back in recent seasons, all the while staying at Arsenal as cover which hampered his England prospects due to a lack of playing time.
But now he’ll be hoping to resurrect his fledgling career, potentially to give England manager Gareth Southgate something to think about with the 2018 World Cup in Russia around the corner.
As for West Brom, Tony Pulis won’t believe his luck to have signed such an experienced Arsenal defender for so cheap.