Marco Silva’s search for a left back recruit this summer has seen an interest in Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs end, the money involved has put Watford off and led to Middlesbrough’s George Friend lined up.
Gibbs, a proven Premier League footballer, would have made a great addition to the ranks at Vicarage Road but if it wasn’t his transfer fee then his wage demands would have put paid to any Hornets interest in the England left back.
Our friends at Vital Arsenal said:
Having recently seen it claimed Arsenal’s £15m asking price for Kieran Gibbs was too rich for Premier League teams showing an interest, meaning the Gunners would have to lower expectations, it wouldn’t appear this has been lowered enough for Watford?
Interest in Gibbs has ended with Watford ‘turning their attentions’ to Middlesbrough’s George Friend instead, according to the Evening Standard.
Friend, two years Gibbs’ senior at 29, would set Watford back £8m but he’s now seen as their top target leaving Gibbs to hope one of the other interested parties does come in for him or the left back could find himself literally sitting out the final year of his Arsenal deal, which isn’t likely to be extended.
Gibbs, 27, whilst not officially on the transfer list, is available, as he’s dropped further down the pecking order following the arrival of Sead Kolasinac, in as a free agent from Schalke 04.
It is also claimed his own wages are also putting off interested parties. Currently on a reported £60,000 a week at Arsenal, England’s Gibbs is seeking up to £80,000 a week at a new club – those showing most interest wouldn’t seem willing, able in fact, to match such excessive demands.
Used courtesy of Vital Arsenal.
£15m for a player, England international or not, who is well down the pecking order at Arsenal and has less than a year left on his contract? Thanks but no thanks, especially if Gibbs thinks he can earn £300,000 plus a month from Watford. Never gonna happen.
Friend’s proven a steady and reliable footballer at Premier League level, these Evening Standard reports did say the Watford hierarchy might take some convincing by Silva to part with £8m for a 29 year old though?
