Reading chief executive Nigel Howe claims the club are considering the possibility of loaning versatile Arsenal starlet Kieran Gibbs, but admit they are worried about his lack of experience and his physique.
Kieran spent three months with Championship outfit Norwich City last month, and although his chances were restricted, he still managed six starts for Glenn Roeders side. Roeder heaped praise on Gibbs following the end of the season and confirmed his desire to bring the youngster back to Norfolk over the summer.
As yet that move is yet to go through, and now relegated Reading say the former Wimbledon winger is one of the options they are looking at, but they have their reservations.
“We know who we can sign at short notice but we must look at the whole marketplace. We’ve been doing that for several years because we always felt Nicky Shorey would go. Now we’re revisiting the names on that list plus a couple more.”
“Gibbs is the sort of player Arsenal will loan out. Signing a Premier League player for the season could be very attractive to a club like ours.”
“He’s an outstanding prospect but the feeling is he is a little too young for what we need.”
The Royals have been left short following Nicky Shorey’s transfer to Aston Villa, and although they are desperate for a new body, Howe revealed he does not expect any movements before next week.
“I don’t think we will have anything sorted by the weekend. It’s important we get the right person in.”
Gibbs has had a solid pre-season mainly featuring at left back, and was in Holland last night for the UEFA Champions League Qualifier against FC Twente.
Should Reading attempt to try and snap up Kieran, they are sure to face strong competition from their Championship rivals, but their tag at Promotion hopefuls could prove decisive.
Article By – J.Sanderson
I think Reading would be a good destination for any of the Arsenal Youngsters as they would not have to relocate much and the football reading play is a good standard. I hope that someone would get a chance to go there and develop. Sidwell and Harper have done well there.
I very much agree mate, i think Reading are a stable family club good who could really help somebody like Gibbs.
I know Steve Coppell and he said he wass interested in him and Barazite and woul dbe good for both clubs in my opinion
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Agree With Gal, Much better than playing Reserves and CC only.
He needs first team experiance so obviously this is an oppertune chance, and Reading play good football, fast and attacking, not to mention having a decent quality side.
Bit worried about them saying hes younger than they’d want, could mean they’ll get him and use him as back-up which wouldent be an absolute disaster but id prefere him to go somewhere where they really want him and his garenteed a solid chance to impress right from the start.
If Both Barazite and Gibbs could go that’d b brilliant, but even if its just Gibbs that’d be very good. I know they’re a bit short up front as well as left back so Barazite is still a possible move but there again, if they’re worried about Gibbs’ lack of experiance Barazite has next to no experiance in first team football other than Friendly appearences. I dont rly count his Carlin Cup debut seeing as he was only on the pitch for 10 mins.
They’ve changed their tune:
http://sports.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2007/11/08/Coppell-Wenger–the-Cottage-Industry/
I think Gibbs should go on loan to a Premiership club like Hull or Stoke if it’s a possibility otherwise Championship football is better than reserves, much much better.
JS, the quote “He’s an outstanding prospect but the feeling is he is a little too young for what we need.” to me sounds like they are ruling out completely the idea of signing gibbs.
I would sooner see Randal/Lansbury and Simpson go to Reading.
I think we must retain Gibbs and his versatility
“I think we must retain Gibbs and his versatility”
Good point, we might need Gibbs. Only Traore and Clichy at left back and i suppose Gallas can cover as can Sagna. There again we need Gallas and Sagna in their own positions.
We may be better off sending Traore on loan after he’s back from injury?
Reading will go for promotion, so could be like the Bendtner and Larsson loan to Brum. Think it is would be a good choice. And that could perhaps even lead to premiership loan the year after at reading too, if he ain’t ready for Arsenal yet.
u reckon we’ll buy Micheal Johnson Jamie?
if J. Hoyte is going, as other sites claim, i think we need gibbs.
I’d be surprised if we bought Johnson.
Why would Wenger keep talking about signing experience, and re-iterating that experience is 25-26 yrs old?
Mahamidou Diarra is the only player we need to buy. He is the complete player is his position and would break Essien’s legs in a challenge. The man is a beast but he is experienced. What we need. No-one can argue.
If Kieran Gibbs is too young for what Reading they want why are they even bringing his name up as a loan option
g4eva, Diarra is one of the worlds best at his position but Real Madrid know this, they wont sell him.
this move has two positives, i think it would be a good opportunity for gibbs because he is solid and versatile (midfield and defence). its also good arsenal to give gibbs valuable 1st team football which he needs to develop, so he can play against men and experience the physical demands of playing week in week out competitively!
what do you think of wenger’s comments on arsenal web site that a signing will be made before the twente return leg but not before we play WBA.
personally i’d take essien over any midfielder in the world he’s brilliant.
keep gibbs and give him some playing time when clichy is worn out
inler for me
http://theworldsmostbeautifulgame.wordpress.com
wat is the shortlist for the new players???