Arsenal are facing a huge final month in the summer transfer window, as Jakub Kiwior is among those who could leave in that time.
The Polish international managed to impress many supporters with his displays at the end of last season, stepping in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.
At centre-back, the star looked comfortable and put in some top performances against Real Madrid and PSG.
However, with the return of Gabriel expected, Jakub Kiwior now faces a return to his role as a player in the overall squad, rather than in the starting lineup.
That has prompted links with Kiwior and an exit from Arsenal this summer, as clubs circle a potential move.
With that in mind, it seems as though there has been a clear message from the Arsenal boss as to what he thinks of that.
Mikel Arteta wants to keep Jakub Kiwior despite Arsenal transfer links
Arsenal’s backline is one of the stronger points of the squad, but there have still been some changes this summer.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s exit has paved the way for the Gunners to sign Cristhian Mosquera, who joined from Valencia.
While those moves have been completed, Arsenal are interested in Jeremy Jacquet as another long-term centre-back option.
Much of that could depend on the future of Kiwior, who continues to be linked with a possible exit.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta wants to keep the defender this summer, with the club already rejecting one offer for the star.
It’s claimed that the future of Kiwior is still uncertain, though, as the player still has to make a decision on his own preference.
Several clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, which looks set to drag on for the next few weeks of the window.
Mikel Arteta will have to trust his squad more if he wants to keep Jakub Kiwior
One criticism that has often been levied against Mikel Arteta is the perceived lack of trust in the overall Arsenal squad.
The lack of rotation at times raises some questions, while it certainly doesn’t help with the injury situation the team has been impacted by.
Helping to combat that, and keep someone like Kiwior in the fold, could rely on trusting the squad and giving those rotational minutes.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case next season or not, but given the number of games, it will be key to any title hopes and trophy dreams the team have.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Luke Thrower