Arsenal step up pursuit of Ben Gibson but Middlesbrough could demand up to £30m for the defender
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson after making initial checks earlier this month.
As reported by Standard Sport at the start of March, both the Gunners and West Ham have been following the centre-back, who was called into the England squad for the recent World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Arsenal’s principal targets are thought to be a left-back and a centre-forward but Gibson is a left-footer which makes him an attractive option – and he can also operate at full-back.
The uncertainty over Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s plans means Arsenal’s recruitment strategy is not yet set in stone, but Gibson is certainly one of the names on the club’s radar. Liverpool and Everton are also following the 24-year-old, who signed a five-year contract with Boro only last August.
There is an understanding, however, that Gibson – the nephew of Boro owner Steve Gibson – would be extremely difficult to keep should Boro fail to stay in the Premier League. They are currently 19th, five points adrift of safety with 10 games remaining.
The Boro hierarchy would still be determined to extract a high price for Gibson. They are mindful of the £47.5million fee Manchester City paid Everton for John Stones last summer, and that Virgil van Dijk may cost a similar amount if he leaves Southampton at the end of this term.
It is thought Boro would seek up to £30m for their player, who came through the club’s academy system, though it will be difficult to generate such a high fee if they drop into the Championship.
