Kieran Gibbs: West Brom Complete Signing Of Arsenal Left Back

West Bromich Albion has completed the signing of longtime Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs.

The England international who came through the youth ranks at Arsenal was deemed surplus to requirements at the North London club.

Gibbs was certain to join fellow Premier League London side, Watford before that deal fell through leaving room for West Brom to snap him up for a fee in the region of £7million.

He signed a four-year deal with the West Midlands club after passing a medical on Tuesday night.

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The 27-year-old took to Twitter to thank Arsenal and pay tribute to his former boss, Arsene Wenger.

Kieran Gibbs, who made 230 appearances for Arsenal, wrote:

“It has been an amazing journey to play for my childhood club since I was 14. I would like to thank Arsene Wenger for giving me the chance to start my career and fulfill a dream!!”

“Thank you to all the fans, the Arsenal staff, and especially my teammates who have been there during the special moments and helped me through some tough times.”

Gibbs who had been playing regular first team football between 2012 and 2015 but has subsequently found himself on the fringes on the first team due to injuries and better replacements, ended his statement saying;

“Now it’s time for the next chapter with West Bromwich Albion and I can’t wait to get started with the boys.”

His new manager Tony Pulis expressed his delight with the new signing saying:

“We’ve now got a deal which I think is right for the club and I’m really pleased to add a player of this quality and experience to our group.”

“Kieran’s a good age and has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal, represented his country and has Premier League and Champions League experience… To add these qualities to our squad is exactly what we’re looking for.”

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Pulis will regard the signing fee as a steal since West Brom had earlier in the window, offered £10 million plus £2 million in add-ons for the player.

Arsenal declined that offer and was holding out for their original £15 million valuations. The baggies, however, swooped back in for their man after it was revealed that Watford negotiated a lower deal.

Kieran Gibbs, who has 10 England caps, follows Jay Rodriguez, Ahmed Hegazi, Gareth Barry, Yuning Zhang and Oliver Burke in signing for West Brom during the current transfer window.

The club is still also hoping to push through another deal for PSG midfielder Gregorsz Krychowiak before the transfer window closes. He is having a medical ahead of a loan move.