According to reports from the Daily Star, Arsenal is contemplating an unexpected move to acquire Nottingham Forest’s midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Although Arsenal currently possesses a formidable attacking lineup, manager Mikel Arteta appears eager to strengthen his squad options for the forthcoming 2024/25 season.
With speculation swirling around the potential departure of Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal is exploring alternatives, with Gibbs-White emerging as a viable candidate to potentially fill the void left by Smith Rowe’s exit.
Nottingham Forest recently faced a 4-point deduction for violating Profitability and Sustainability regulations, which could lead to further financial challenges unless they can generate revenue.
This situation presents an opportunity for the club to consider parting ways with their record signing, Gibbs-White, who was acquired for a significant sum of £42.5 million.
Since his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022, Gibbs-White has proven to be a valuable asset for Forest, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists this season.
Despite his impressive performances, Forest has struggled to capitalize on the opportunities he has created due to deficiencies in their attacking department.
Given Forest’s financial situation, they may be open to entertaining offers for Gibbs-White, especially if Arsenal presents an appealing proposition.
Arteta sees Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Smith Rowe, who has seen reduced playing time in recent seasons due to injuries and a perceived lack of trust from the manager.
Gibbs-White’s versatility and proficiency in various attacking roles make him an attractive prospect for Arsenal.
While he primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or on the right wing, his adaptability allows him to play in different positions across the front line.
Arteta may view Gibbs-White as a valuable backup option for key players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
However, the potential obstacle lies in whether Gibbs-White would be satisfied with a reduced role at Arsenal compared to the opportunity of being a regular starter at Forest or another club.
Nonetheless, if Arsenal can negotiate a deal for Gibbs-White successfully, it could prove to be a clever acquisition that enhances the depth and quality of their squad for the upcoming campaign.
