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Arsenal set 'transfer stance' on Gabriel replacement amid Serie A interest

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The Arsenal defender has been subject to transfer interest from multiple clubs in the Serie A.

The Gunners reportedly have no intention on letting the Poland international leave during the January transfer window, as manager Mikel Arteta is thought view the defender as the next-up replacement behind star centre-back Gabriel.

According to Italian outlet TuttoMercato, Kiwior is unlikely to leave in January amid enquiries from Fiorentina and Napoli who want to take Kiwior on loan in winter. He was also subject to interest from Bologna and Inter Milan in the summer.

The Gunners are claimed to value Kiwior at £17m, but deem him too important to let go because of his versatility, being able to play both at centre-back and full-back.

So far this season, he has made nine appearances in all competitions and provided two assists. Five of his outings came in the Premier League during the period when Arsenal were dealing with several injury problems at the back, with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber all on the sidelines.

Arsenal were open to letting Kiwior leave in the summer

Reports emerged in September claiming that the Gunners weren’t against the idea of the Pole leaving in the summer, just a year and a half after he joined from Serie A side Spezia for £16m.

The 24-year-old has since made 47 total appearances for the Gunners, providing two goals and five assists in all competitions, but he is continually struggling for minutes now Arteta now has a much fitter squad at his disposal, especially in defensive positions.

Arteta challenges Kiwior to step up for game time

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In early November, Arteta challenged Kiwior to perform in order to get the minutes that he wants for the Gunners. It was during the period where he was used as a rotational player amid Arsenal’s struggles with both form and injury.

Before their Champions League loss 1-0 to Inter, Arteta said in his press conference: “When he has the opportunity to play those minutes and show that he’s got the level that we think he has to help us perform and win football matches, that’s it. Especially with all the qualities that he has and when puts them at the service of the team, that’s it.”

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