Gibbs’ move to Watford breaks down over wage demands

Watford’s proposed deal with Arsenal for Kieran Gibbs broke down over wage demands, reports The Daily Mirror.

Marco Silva is keen to sign another left-back to provide competition with Jose Holebas and had identified Gibbs as an ideal signing.

The Hornets were confident of agreeing a fee with Arsenal despite the fact they were unwilling to match their £16m valuation but any deal is now off the table.

Gibbs has entered the final 12 months of his existing Arsenal deal and is not interested in taking a pay cut on his current £80,000-a-week wages, which is where the deal broke down with Watford.

The 27-year-old has dropped even further down the pecking order this season following the arrival of Sead Kolasinac over the summer, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was even picked over him at left wing-back against Leicester on Friday night.

Gibbs has only started 11 games in the last three Premier League campaigns and his unwillingness to take a pay cut has reportedly left Watford bemused, as they could offer regular first team football.