Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says it was difficult selling Kieran Gibbs to West Brom.

The fullback faces his old club on Monday night.

Asked if letting Gibbs leave felt like losing a family member, he said: "Of course. And I believe that for (players that leave) it must be difficult to make that step as well.

"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.

"It is a fact that we have got Kolasinac, you cannot keep three left-backs (along with Nacho Monreal)."