?Arsenal are yet to open contract talks with left-back Kieran Gibbs despite the defender approaching the end of his current deal, according to ?the Mirror.
Gibbs has become an understudy to first-choice Nacho Monreal is recent years, making 15 Premier League appearances last season and four so far this year. Gibbs, 27, is one of several Arsenal players inside the last 18 months of their current deals.
The lack of a new contract for Gibbs has put other clubs on high alert, with Liverpool reportedly looking for a new left-back. James Milner has performed admirably ever since his switch to a defensive role, but the Reds could make an effort to approach Gibbs, who has not yet been asked about the possibility of extending his contract.
Arsenal have sent scouts out to search for a new left-sided defender, with Monreal due to turn 31 years of age in February while the uncertainty surrounding Gibbs’ future could lead to a lack of depth at the back for the north London club should he decide to leave.
The England international is one of a number of Gunners stars yet to be tied down to fresh deals, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere also entering the final stages of their respective deals. With the club currently addressing the needs of star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, those lower down on the payroll may have to wait until deals are agreed for the two star men until they can discuss their own potential extensions.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is in the final 18 months of his deal, while the Gunners could stand to lose a lot of money should they not renew the contract of Wilshere, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth. The club are willing to trigger extensions in the deals of Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla, who are also close to being out of contract.
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