KIERAN GIBBS is determined to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.
The 26-year-old is frustrated with a lack of first-team football, having started just 13 games in all competitions this season after falling behind Nacho Monreal in the pecking order at left-back.
However, Gibbs – who has two years left to run on his current contract – is reluctant to leave Emirates Stadium unless manager Arsene Wenger insists his long-term prospects are bleak.
Metro reports: “Gibbs’ progress has stalled in recent years and he’s unlikely to progress with the limited game time on offer at The Emirates.
“Having been at the club for 12 years it will be a hard decision for the two parties to split, but he should move on for the sake of his career.
“At his age, Gibbs needs to be playing regular football, especially if he wants to establish himself in the England team.”
The same is true of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has also indicated a willingness to battle for his spot, although there is a growing list of clubs eyeing a summer bid for the 22-year-old.
The Ox is currently battling to return to first-team action before the end of the season having been sidelined since February 23 with a leg injury but there is no guarantee he would force his way into contention when fit.
The emergence of Alex Iwobi has placed another barrier between Oxlade-Chamberlain and a place in the starting XI and it is believed there is frustration at Arsenal that he has not developed as hoped since arriving from Southampton back in 2011.
Do either Gibbs or Oxlade-Chamberlain have a long-term future at Arsenal?
—–
Click here to check out Football Advisor
