Arsenal are reportedly tracking the progress of Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro as a possible replacement should they decide to let go of Kieran Gibbs.
The deal would work as a like-for-like replacement at the left full-back position, with Guerreiro racking up numerous performances in Ligue 1 this season.
Despite a few spells out with injury, the 22-year-old has made 28 appearances in France this season and looks be an exciting prospect coming through into the peak of his career.
Seen as a player that works hard in training and throughout games, Guerreiro is an ideal candidate to cover the left flanks when Alexis Sanchez fails to track back.
Guerreiro can also play in left midfield, which would be useful considering Gibbs has been utilised in that position on several occasions this season.
However, having played for two average sides in the French top division it is hard to rate his ability on the whole against top level sides having not featured in Champions League or Europa League football.
Lorient is a side that Arsene Wenger has very close connections with, having signed Laurent Koscielny from them as well as loaning out both Francis Coquelin and Joel Campbell a few seasons ago.
And if the story published by The Guardian turns out to have some reality to it, the reports that Kieran Gibbs is looking for a summer exit could be all but confirmed.
The English international has faced a season of substitute appearances, as which he regularly comes on for the final 10 minutes to sure up a credible lead over the opposition.
Gibbs is better than that and both he and Wenger know it, but the fact he has come through the academy gives some sentimental factor to this move.
At 26 years of age time is beginning to run out for the left-back to establish himself as the leading man for his country, and he’ll once again be put down the pecking order to Leighton Baines.
Rather unsurprisingly, Gibbs has made just three Premier League starts this season so he will be considering his options to ensure of a worthwhile international career.
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