Arsene Wenger is apparently willing to listen to offers for Kieran Gibbs this summer, with the Frenchman planning to replace him with Raphael Guerreiro, according to The Guardian.
The 26-year-old always looked like he had a bright future at Arsenal, but he really hasn’t progressed as many would have hoped, and constant injuries have arguably seen him digress.
Wenger is determined to land Lorient’s versatile left-back Guerreiro at the end of the campaign, and the Portuguese star’s arrival will apparently signal the end of Gibbs’ Arsenal career.
The 22-year-old has really impressed for the French side, and was also one of the standout performers during Portugal’s U21 Championship success last year.
The Arsenal boss has a fantastic relationship with Lorient, which should unquestionably help smooth any potential transfer. Francis Coquelin and Joel Campbell both spent time there on loan, while Laurent Koscielny was signed from the mid-table Ligue 1 side back in 2010 (via The Guardian).
Gibbs has been a solid back-up to Nacho Monreal, but he’s unquestionably second choice and Arsenal could certainly improve on him. Injuries and the club’s lack of squad depth have cost Arsenal repeatedly in recent seasons, and that’s something Wenger needs to address.
Arsenal fans will be hoping to see a few more notable signings this summer, but Guerreiro would at least be a good start.
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Guerreiro certainly seems like a Wenger signing, and while one of his biggest strengths is his speed, he also boasts great versatility. Wenger has often utilised both Monreal and Gibbs at the same time, bringing more defensive stability to Arsenal’s left flank. Guerreiro is comfortable at both left-back and on the left-wing, which may make him perfectly suited to Wenger’s game.