Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs completes £7m switch to West Brom as Arsene Wenger offloads flops
Gibbs paid tribute to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, saying that the French manager helped him 'fulfil a dream'
KIERAN GIBBS has left Arsenal to join West Brom for £7million.
The defender was surplus to requirements at the Emirates as boss Arsene Wenger desperately tries to improve his squad.
The England international has signed a four-year contract at The Hawthorns.
Speaking to the Albion club website, Gibbs said: "I watched the boys in the first few games of the season and they've got a lot of energy.
"They've made some good signings and I feel this is a good move for me."
Club chairman John Williams said: "I'm delighted to welcome Kieran to the club.
"We have recruited another quality addition, an England player with bags of experience at Premier League and Champions League level. We are confident he will do well for us."
Although neither club has revealed the fee, it is believed to be in the region of £7m.
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Gibbs spent 11 years at Arsenal, but it could be argued he never fully nailed down a first-team spot during his time at the club.
He enjoyed his most consistent run of form at the club when Gael Clichy was sold to Manchester City, keeping Brazilian Andre Santos out of the first team.
He will wear the No 3 shirt at Albion.
The 27-year-old also penned a heartfelt message on Twitter on completing his move.
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He wrote: "Firstly I would like to say how delighted I am to sign for West Brom.
"It has been an amazing journey to play for my childhood club since I was 14.
"I would like to thank Arsene Wenger for giving me the chance to start my career and fulfil a dream.
"Thank-you to all the fans, the Arsenal staff and especially my team-mates who have been there during special moments and have helped me through some tough times.
"Now it's time for the next chapter with West Bromwich Albion and I can't wait to get started with the boys."
He ended the note by hash-tagging "Up The Baggies".