Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close watch on the performance of Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson ahead of a potential summer move for his signature.
The former England under-21 international has been instrumental at the back for Boro, who hold the sixth-best defence in the division despite lingering in the drop zone.
A report from The London Evening Standard claims that the north London giants have scouted the player earlier in the campaign, and are impressed with his versatility on the playing field.
Gibson has normally occupied a spot on the left side of the central defence but his left-footedness also permits him to feature in the full-back position.
The FA Cup semi-finalists have seen both Nacho Monreal and Shkodran Mustafi fall victims to counter-attacking teams this season, and this is something they will seek to resolve in the coming transfer window.
Monreal has managed to cement his position at the first choice left-back at the club, but the lack of pace has caught up with him in crucial games.
Meanwhile, summer recruit Shkodran Mustafi has flattered to deceive in recent months, and his slowness and inability in the air have become a cause of concern.
Gibson has already made his name as one of England’s most promising centre-backs, and his displays were recently rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Three Lions squad after an injury to Phil Jones.
He has established his leadership qualities for Boro this term, and his commanding presence is being seen as the perfect fit to skipper Laurent Koscielny, who has been by far the best defender for Arsenal in recent times.
Middlesbrough are understood to be reluctant to offload their main man in the summer, but a fee of around £30m could be sufficient to do business amid interest from other clubs including Everton, Liverpool and West Ham United.
Manager Arsene Wenger has played a key part in Arsenal’s scouting mission on Gibson, but his departure is unlikely to switch the club’s focus from the highly-rated defender.
