Newcastle United opinion: Should the Magpies sign Kieran Gibbs?
According to a report from the Chronicle Live, Newcastle United want Kieran Gibbs and two other players from West Bromwich Albion in exchange for Dwight Gayle and Jacob Murphy.
The report reveals that the Magpies are willing to let West Brom sign the duo on a permanent deal only if the Baggies allow Salomon Rondon, Jake Livermore and the former Arsenal full-back to join the club in the summer.
Kieran Gibbs’ inclusion will be a fantastic addition to Benitez’s squad, especially after Antonio Barecca’s January loan deal from Monaco being a huge failure. The Magpies have been forced to use attacker Matt Ritchie at left-back during Paul Dummett’s injury.
Rafa Benitez has still preferred the former Bournemouth winger in that role despite Dummett being fully fit and available for selection.
However, reports have emerged that Ritchie will be sold in the summer and this makes a reinforcement on the left-hand side of the defence an absolute necessity.
Kieran Gibbs would provide incredible competition to Paul Dummett in the left-back role and the former Arsenal man’s experience would be a huge asset to a relatively young Newcastle side. Gibbs has played over 300 games in his senior career, of which most are in the Premier League.
Gibbs started off the season brilliantly, scoring a goal and picking up 2 assists in his first 4 games. His contribution in the final third promoted him higher up the pitch to a left-wing role where he has put up a number of solid performances.
The former Gunner has been a regular for the Baggies this season, having played 31 games in the Championship so far. His versatility has been a phenomenal asset for West Brom and this trait of his will provide a ton of options to Rafa Benitez if he makes the move next season.
The 28-year-old would provide an incredible balance between the attack and the defence and his potential combination with winter signing Miguel Almiron could form one of the best attacking partnerships in the Premier League.
In his 31 games so far, Gibbs averages 1.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.1 successful aerial duels and a solid 2.1 clearances for the Baggies in the Championship.
The Englishman also averages close to 40 passes per game, of which 1.5 are long balls with an accuracy of close to 80%. (WhoScored)
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Conclusion
Newcastle have identified a brilliant player in Kieran Gibbs and the Magpies cannot go wrong in signing the former Arsenal man.
His experience in the top-flight will have a major impact on the Newcastle team and he would prove to be a solid addition to Rafa Benitez’s squad next season.