Kieran Gibbs exit hurt more than Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joining Liverpool, admits Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed losing Kieran Gibbs this summer was like saying goodbye to a family member.

The Arsenal boss sold Gibbs to West Brom after ten years at the Emirates in which he spent that entire period under Wenger’s management.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was another long-term Gunner to leave the club this summer, joining Liverpool in a £45million deal, but Wenger says the winger’s departure does not compare to losing Gibbs.

Gibbs came through Arsenal’s youth ranks while Oxlade-Chamberlain joined as 17-year-old from Southampton.

‘Of course. And I believe that for (players that leave) it must be difficult to make that step as well,’ Wenger said when asked if losing Gibbs was like a family member leaving.

‘He did not ask to leave, it was a mutual decision. He wanted to play – he’s 27, or 28. You want to play at that age.

‘It was a difficult decision but on the other hand when a guy has given you so many years you have to accept that if he is not sure to play.’

Oxlade-Chamberlain was the bigger signing with many Arsenal fans concerned the England international decided to jump ship and join a direct rival side.

Gibbs returns to the Emirates on Monday night with West Brom taking on Arsenal and Wenger admitted Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure does not measure up to saying goodbye to Gibbs.

‘Ideally you want stability and you want players who carry the values for the generations,’ he said.

‘Overall it’s true that with Gibbs (it hurt) more than Chamberlain because he had been educated at Arsenal from the age of 10.

‘When he arrived he was a left-winger. I transformed him into a full-back because he was not necessarily rated as a guy who would make it as a left winger but I saw something in him that was very intelligent, with pace, that made me feel he could make it as a left-back.

‘(Academy players) carry the values that you think are important, which are based on mental qualities, humility, respect and commitment, and as well football qualities which means you always try to play in a positive way.

‘Plus real team play and focusing on a collective way.’

Despite swapping London for Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to get off to an impressive start under Jurgen Klopp.

The 24-year-old has begun his Liverpool career on the bench and has failed to make an impression when given minutes on the pitch.

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