Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is reportedly considering his future at the club as his lack of first-team football has seen him lose his England place.
The 26-year-old has firmly fallen behind Nacho Monreal in the pecking order for some time at the Emirates, leading to his continued England snub.
While he has previously maintained that he wanted to stay and fight for his place, according to The Sun, he could now be having a change of heart and considering his options in order to secure regular first-team football.
In 18 months time, the former Wimbledon youth player will have the opportunity to speak to other clubs and sign a pre-contract. While he had been content with running his contract down and continuing his fight to displace Monreal, he may well be forced into changing his approach.
Gibbs has been with the Gunners since 2004, and has gone on to make well over 100 Premier League appearances for Arsene Wenger’s men in that time.
Injury woes, a lack of form and consistency coupled with Monreal’s arrival have all conspired to push him out of the starting line-up and has ultimately led to this situation presenting itself.
Having seen Jack Wilshere move to Bournemouth last week on loan for the rest of the season, Gibbs may well be inspired to perhaps follow in his footsteps and try his luck elsewhere.
Whether that’s with a view of proving himself to Wenger and coming back to north London further down the line or leaving and starting a fresh challenge elsewhere remains to be seen.
The England international made 28 appearances in all competitions last season, a steady decline from previous years where he featured on 30 or more occasions for three consecutive campaigns.