Gibbs vs Cresswell: Should Arsenal consider a bid for West Ham star?

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for West Ham United star Aaron Cresswell.

According to a report in The Sun, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is eyeing a summer move for West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell.

The 25-year-old only joined the Hammers in the summer, moving from Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town after impressing in the second tier.

Cresswell’s debut campaign in the top flight has been a big success so far and his solid performances presumably haven’t gone unnoticed.

“Arsenal are ready to make a summer swoop for Aaron Cresswell. The Gunners boss is eyeing up competition for Kieran Gibbs as Nacho Monreal could be heading back to Spain after two years at the Emirates Stadium,” The Sun reports.

Cresswell would presumably be brought in as competition for regular left-back Kieran Gibbs, but how does the Hammers ace compare based on statistics from this campaign?

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, there doesn’t seem too much to split the duo as they both come off best in different key defensive categories.

The Gunners’ England international has recorded on average more tackles, interceptions and defensive duel winners per Premier League encounter.

Moreover, in possession Gibbs has been more composed and assured, completing more accurate passes per match with a higher completion rate.

However, Cresswell on the other hand has produced more effective clearances, ball recoveries and interestingly slightly more accurate crosses than Gibbs.

Should the North Londoners lose Monreal in the summer, a new left-back will be among Wenger’s priorities and judging on this season the West Ham ace would represent a sound replacement.