Can Arsenal now seriously ask for £15 million for Kieran Gibbs?
Sead Kolasinac playing for Schalke
Arsenal have clinched the signing of Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac, announcing the transfer via their official website.
Kolasinac was one of the best left-backs in the Bundesliga last season and was wanted by clubs across Europe.
The free transfer is one of the bargains of the summer, but there is a knock on effect, and the player most significantly affected is Kieran Gibbs.
Nacho Monreal will have to battle Kolasinac for a first team place, but Gibbs – reduced to a back-up role already – is likely to be sold.
Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs misses a chance to score
It plays into the hands of interested club Newcastle United, who have been linked with week by The Sun with a swoop for the defender who was fleetingly an England international.
Arsenal were demanding a whopping £15 million for Gibbs, who frankly at that value is overpriced.
The 27-year-old made just eight league starts last season and he would be hard pushed to beat that figure if he stays at the Gunners.
Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs in action
Gibbs will be desperate to move on, with the World Cup next summer and effectively being demoted to third choice for his club.
His contract at Arsenal runs out in 12 months, and Arsenal have little leverage in negotiations.
Kolasinac’s arrival solidifies Gibbs’ status as third choice, and really Arsenal are going to have to come down from their £15 million valuation.
Newcastle have a good opportunity to land the left-back, and it might just have got even better if they can get him for cheaper than initially expected.
Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs in action with Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
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