West Ham are interested in highly-coveted Middlesbrought defender Ben Gibson but could face competition from Arsenal, according to reports.
Gibson has shone for the north-east club in what has been a bit of a stop and start campaign for Aitor Karanka’s side so far.
According to the Evening Standard, the 23-year-old could be on his way to the capital when the transfer window reopens in July.
West Ham and Arsenal are said to both be considering moves for the skipper, who has captained his side to 17th place in the Premier League table so far this season.
Slaven Bilic is reportedly keen to sign Gibson due to his ability to play both as a centre back as well as a left back.
The places of Jose Fonte and Winston Reid look relatively assured at the heart of the Hammers defence but Bilic is reportedly looking to add options to his back line.
Gibson has been linked with Chelsea in the past in a move which has sometimes been touted at £30 million.
The centre-back signed a new five year-contract at the Riverside Stadium last August, but Boro could be forced to sell their captain should relegation materialise.
Boro are aware of the premium English defenders command since John Stones’ £47 million move to Manchester City, and Aitor Karanka’s side look set to make a huge profit on their academy graduate.
