Gibbs backs Arsenal locals

Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs has hailed the club’s young British contingent and dismissed claims his side have too many foreigners.

Pointing to the presence of team-mates such as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gibbs feels there is a healthy array of local talent in the Arsenal squad.

“We have Carl Jenkinson, Emmanuel Frimpong, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey, so I think the young British players are getting better now because they’re learning what it takes to play at the top,” he told FourFourTwo.

“I think as long as we can improve, there won’t be any further criticism about (signing) foreign players.”

Gibbs also discussed his various injury problems, revealing team-mate Tomas Rosicky has helped him overcome the setbacks.

He continued: “I’ve had a lot of support from experienced players that have suffered similar injuries. Players like Tomas Rosicky don’t just help me when I’m injured, but also when I’m fit because it’s easy when you’re playing to ignore the things you have to do to remain healthy.

“Instead of going home early, these players will stay with you and work on the things that help with injury prevention.”

The England international went on to discuss Gunners manager Arsene Wenger’s dealings in the transfer market, claiming the Frenchman was astute at making shrewd and successful purchases.

He said: “He (Wenger) has built a reputation for signing players for a modest fee and turning them into great players.

“I don’t think many people in England had really heard of Thomas Vermaelen before he arrived and yet he became an instant fan favourite at the club.

“He has an eye for noticing the potential in promising players.”