Newcastle are pushing hard to secure the service of Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs, according to a report from Evening Standard.
The Magpies have already missed the opportunity to sign two left-back targets this January, and boss Steve McClaren now looks to land a new defender before the close of the winter transfer window this evening.
Over the weeks several reports claimed that Newcastle were trying to sign Lucas Orban, but that deal suddenly fell through as negotiations stopped, they also missed out on Guilherme Siqueira, as reported by Sky Sports.
McClaren had no other choice but to field a make-shift defence in Newcastle’s last Premier League fixture, with a back-five faced Watford. Attacking winger Rolando Aarons played as a left wing-back, but he clearly struggled in that role, which means Newcastle is desperate to bring in a new left-back today before the window closes.
And with time gradually running out to complete a deal, the Magpies have now turned their focus to Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal, who they think might decide to leave the Emirates.
Gibbs has fallen behind Nacho Monreal in Arsene Wenger’s pecking order, while the 26-year-old defender enjoying just 12 Premier League matches this season.
He wants first team football every week ahead of the European Championship to make sure he remains as a starter for England, and the Magpies can give him a starting role at St James’ Park.
Last week a report from the Sun claimed that Newcastle were considering to make a bid for Gibbs in the summer, but now it is revealed, they have pushed up their interest for the defender and want to secure the deal today.
This January window has been relatively quiet for most of the Premier League clubs and Arsenal have not been an exception with the Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny the only significant arrival at the Emirates so far.
Arsene Wenger has also admitted he in expecting a low key ending to this month, unless Lionel Messi knocks on his door, but the French manager could have some thinking to do.
So would Wenger allow the defender to leave? It looks like he could, but only if Arsenal managed to secure adequate cover for Nacho Monreal.