Gunners boss believes Gibbs will step up to the challenge of dislodging Spanish left-back.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Kieran Gibbs to battle it out with Nacho Monreal for a place in the club’s starting eleven according to ESPN.
After Gael Clichy left the Emirates Stadium to join Manchester City, many backed Gibbs as the long term successor to the former Arsenal left-back.
Gibbs put in a number of good performances in the position before a series of injuries halted his progress.
Brazilian Andre Santos was brought in from Fenerbahce to cover for Gibbs but has now been sent out on loan to his homeland after a disastrous spell in the team.
That prompted manager Arsene Wenger to bring in Nacho Monreal from Malaga during the January transfer window.
The Spanish left-back has excelled since coming into the team and scored his first goal for the club during last month’s victory over Aston Villa.
That has led to speculation regarding Gibbs’ future but Wenger believes the competition is healthy for the team and that the two will spur each other on.
Wenger believes Gibbs has improved on his performances from last season, stamping his authority on games with greater decisiveness going forward.
Wenger also pointed out that the pair could play together in the same team, with one playing ahead of the other in a more advanced position.