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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has given his stamp of approval to Kieran Gibbs ahead of the new season and said that the young left back has all it takes to become world class within the next few years. There has been much speculation about Arsenal being in the market for a new full back ever since Gael Clichy was sold to Manchester City for 7 million pounds two weeks ago.
But Vermaelen, who missed virtually the entirety of last season with a mysterious Achilles injury, was optimistically cautious about Gibbs’s future and said that, fitness permitting, he would turn out to be a very fine player indeed.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, Vermaelen said-
“I think Kieran is a really talented player”,
“I played a few games with him in my first year and he impressed me a lot. He’s a fit player, he can run a lot, he’s a technical player as well. He has all the qualities to be a world class full back”
He was also quick to stress that Arsenal would start next season with no memories of the past and a clean slate. Arsenal were in contention for four trophies last season in February but were then on the end of a collapse of alarming proportions as they ended up trophyless yet again.
But Vermaelen said that last year’s failures were not on any of the player’s minds and they were all looking forward to give it their best next season. He said-
“Everybody starts from zero and everybody has to start again. The past is behind us and it’s good to look into the future.
“That’s what we do now – we start all over again with a new chance and we will go for it this year”
In the full back department, Arsenal have been linked with Newcastle’s Jose Enrique, Everton’s Leighton Baines and Lyon’s Aly Cisshoko. Arsenal have also reportedly had a 10 million pound bid rejected by Everton for centre back Phil Jagielka. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal dip into the market for a quality left back or put their faith in young Gibbs. Stay tuned for more in this regard.
