Arsenal are interested in Middlesbrough centre-back Ben Gibson, according to the Evening Standard.
West Ham United are also believed to be in the running for the 24-year-old but his club will not let the defender go on the cheap. The Standard report they are mindful of the fact that Everton sold John Stones to Manchester City for £47.5million in the summer, and would seek at least £30million for Gibson.
With manager Arsene Wenger’s future at the club in serious doubt however, the interest from the Gunners is likely only to be tentative at this stage.
The future of Gibson could well be decided on whether Middlesbrough are relegated this campaign. Aitor Karanka’s side fell into the relegation zone at the weekend after their 2-0 defeat to Stoke City.
Their problems have been up front rather than defensively this season though, and Gibson has contributed to Boro only conceding 30 goals in 27 games this season, one less than Arsenal.
