Watford chase Kieran Gibbs as West Brom decide against signing Arsenal left-back, who will be forced to accept a pay cut
Gunners defender was left out of touring party after arrival of Sead Kolasinac on a free this summer
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WATFORD are chasing Kieran Gibbs after West Brom pulled out of the race to sign the Arsenal left-back, according to reports.
The Gunners defender is surplus to requirements after Sead Kolasinac arrived on a free from Schalke.
Tony Pulis dropped his pursuit after seeing a £10million offer snubbed and SkySports claim the Hornets will launch a fresh swoop.
Gibbs - who has one year left on his contract - would likely have to take a significant pay cut if he wants to leave the Emirates.
The Gunners may be forced to continue to pay a portion of his wages to tempt him into quitting.
Hornets chief Marco Silva wants more English players in his squad as he prepares for a relegation scrap.
And he sees England international Gibbs, 27, as the perfect man with the wealth of experience he will bring to the club.
The pacey full-back came through Arsenal's academy and made his debut in the 2007-08 season.
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But the 10-cap Three Lions ace has fallen out of favour, with Nacho Monreal and right-back Hector Bellerin both preferred by Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal have also added Alexandre Lacazette in a club-record deal this summer and there are more potential signings in the wings.
Boss Wenger is prepared to open his chequebook after agreeing a two-year extension but is also trying to move on fringe players as part of a summer overhaul.
And the biggest signing this summer could prove to be Mesut Ozil, if the German playmaker can be talked into signing an extension.
