Arsenal must play hardball with Kieran Gibbs sale

Reports are claiming that Arsenal may have to lessen their £15 million valuation of Kieran Gibbs if they want to sell him this summer. Here’s why they must play hardball with any possible departure.

For many, many years, Arsene Wenger has been vilified for his hesitancy to buy in the transfer window. Given the profits that Arsenal announce every season, the potential investment that is rumoured to now be available to him, and the many needs that must be addressed, it is a fair question to ask of his management.

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However, while his nervy buying of players is a valid cause for concern, what is perhaps even worse is his record of selling players for far less than their value, especially more recently. Early in his tenure, Wenger was seemingly able to sell his best players, only for them to toil elsewhere, and for him to find improvements in other ways.

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But his recent sales would not suggest that that is the case. Wenger was unable to maximise the value for players like Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen. While selling players is frustrating and often detrimental to the prospects of the club, at times, it is necessary. The key, then, is once a sale is a necessity, every penny must be squeezed out of their possible value.

In a rather long-winded way, that brings me to Kieran Gibbs. Earlier this week, Arsenal officially announced the signing of Sead Kolasinac to a long-term contract. The former Schalke defender is a direct improvement on Gibbs, is a stronger, more reliable, younger option, and is seemingly Wenger’s answer to the left-back problems that have surfaced this season.

With just a year remaining on his current deal, and having thoroughly slipped behind Nacho Monreal in the pecking order, it would seem that the end is nigh for Gibbs and his time in North London. Without going into reasons why that is the case – I am a huge Gibbs’ fan and it makes me very sad that he has been unable to fulfil his potential – cutting ties with the left-back at this time is a sensible move.

Consequently, the priority for Wenger and the club must be to maximise his value in any sale. Initially, it was reported that Arsenal valued at Gibbs at £15 million. That may seem a little ambitious, but in the modern world with ever-rising prices, it is not too steep a price to demand. But now, there have been suggestions that they may have to lessen their valuation of his services if they want to secure a sale.

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That is exactly what they shouldn’t do. For far too long, the Gunners have consistently failed to deliver value on selling their players. This is a chance to sell a player for the best of his value. Lessen your resolve and you immediately relinquish that chance. Arsenal must play hardball with Kieran Gibbs and his potential suitors.