By Jim Van Wijk, Press Association
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Left back Kieran Gibbs will not let his own World Cup dreams get in the way of helping Arsenal's quest to end their long trophy drought next season.
Despite again being hampered by some injury problems and Arsenal also signing Spain defender Nacho Monreal in an 8.5million deal from Malaga during the January transfer window, Gibbs enjoyed a decent campaign for the Gunners, making 29 starts.
The 23-year-old, however, was not part of Roy Hodgson's squad for the end-of-season friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
Left back at home: Kieran Gibbs has said that he is disappointed he wasn't part of the England squad
After a superb 10-match unbeaten Barclays Premier League run saw Arsenal finish fourth and secure a place in the Champions League qualifiers, hopes are high that next season can finally bring Arsene Wenger's men a first piece of silverware since the 2005 FA Cup.
Gibbs maintains that even though all the international players will have one eye on the summer of 2014, that must go hand in hand with consistent performances at club level.
Speaking in the July edition of the official Arsenal magazine, Gibbs said: 'It has been my best season so far. It is a stepping stone for me and now I just need to build and stay fit. I am sure I can do more for the (Arsenal) team.
'I was hopeful of getting into the England squad (this summer), but I was not called up.
Famous faces: Gibbs has been spotted in Ibiza along with fellow Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chameberlain
'I will just relax now and make sure I prepare myself physically for next season, ensuring that I go into it with a clear head.
'I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can all make it a special one.'
Arsenal staged a remarkable recovery to overhaul Tottenham, having slumped as low as 10th following a home defeat by Swansea at the start of December.
Gibbs believes Wenger's side must use their momentum from the run-in to get off to a flying start when the new campaign opens, which will see the north London club face a crucial two-legged European tie in August.
'The dramatic finale to the season made us even stronger, and we will be going into the new one head on,' said former England under-21 international Gibbs, who was capped twice for the senior side under former manager Fabio Capello in the Autumn of 2010.
Bench: Gibbs may be struggling to keep his place in the Arsenal team due to the arrival of Nacho Monreal
'We are aware that we need to produce next season and have to make sure we are confident about dealing with that expectation.'
Arsenal are to be busy in the summer transfer window, with the confirmation of the free transfer of France under-21 attacker Yaya Sanogo set to be confirmed when his contract with Auxerre expires on July 1.
Juventus' purchase of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City is expected to leave Arsenal as the frontrunners for Real Madrid's 25million-rated forward Gonzalo Higuain provided the sale is sanctioned by new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini is another said to be on Wenger's radar, although both the 20million-plus transfer fee and 100,000-per-week club wage package could prove a stumbling block, even though Arsenal have plenty of cash reserves to bolster the squad.
Additional funds will, though, be freed up by the departure of more fringe players.
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is reportedly in talks with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt while Hannover are keen to make Johan Djourou's transfer permanent after a loan spell last season.
Morocco forward Marouane Chamakh, who failed to make an impact at West Ham, will also depart, with Spanish side Levante and former club Bordeaux both possible destinations.
Arsenal had already confirmed Andrey Arshavin, Denilson and Sebastien Squillaci will all leave when their contracts expire at the end of this month.
If you want to play for England I suggest you leave Arsenal
- David , London, United Kingdom, 26/6/2013 18:54
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