Arsenal have confirmed the departure of defender Kieran Gibbs to West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee. The England international has ended his 13-year-old association with the Gunners for a move to the Hawthorns, where he has inked a four-year deal.
Gibbs, 27, had been playing second fiddle to Nacho Monreal at left-back for the past few seasons, and the club have eventually parted ways with the former academy graduate.
“We’d like to thank Kieran for everything he has contributed to the club over the past 13 years, and to wish him the very best for the future,” read a statement on the club’s official website.
The defender had a few favourable moments during his Gunners career, including his clearance of the line in the 3-2 victory over Hull City, in the FA Cup final in 2014, which ended a nine-year trophy drought.
With Sead Kolasinac having arrived earlier this summer, it was just a matter of time before Gibbs left, and the Gunners have finally sorted out a deal with the Baggies for a reported fee of around £7m.
Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also on the cusp of sealing an Emirates exit with Liverpool emerging as new favourites following his decision to snub Chelsea.
Alexis Sanchez’s future also hangs in the balance – approaching deadline day with Manchester City having had a £50m bid knocked back yesterday.
Arsenal have made a dismal start to the new league season, having lost two of their opening three games – including the 4-0 embarassment at the hands of Liverpool last weekend.
