Arsenal are set to reject any approaches for Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window, despite ongoing interest in the defender from several high-profile Serie A clubs.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United controls the ball whilst under pressure from Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The Polish international, who impressed during Arsenal’s midweek Premier League defeat of Manchester United, has drawn fresh attention due to his limited opportunities under Mikel Arteta this season.
Kiwior’s representatives have reportedly fielded multiple enquiries regarding the 24-year-old’s availability, with Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus all understood to be monitoring his situation closely.
Kiwior remains on the periphery of Arsenal’s first-team plans, making just 11 appearances in all competitions this season, with only two starts in the League Cup and two in the Premier League. However, the Gunners’ hierarchy are reluctant to sanction a mid-season departure, particularly given his versatility across defensive positions.
Arsenal's Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior (L) celebrates with Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal’s stance is consistent with their approach in August when Bologna and Villarreal sought to sign Kiwior on a season-long loan. Despite limited minutes, the north London club value the player as a dependable squad member and intend to revisit his future only in the summer.
The club’s decision also comes amidst defensive injury concerns, including Ben White’s recent fitness issues. While Charles Watts suggested in November’s Daily Briefing that Arsenal might consider a suitable offer from Italy in January, the current circumstances suggest a change in outlook, with the club now prioritising squad depth for the remainder of the campaign, especially given the injury problems the club have had in defence this season.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
In addition to White, Takehiro Tomiyasu has played just six minutes, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are still out, and Oleksandr Zinchenko is out yet again. Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, now fit enough to be on the bench, hasn’t played for Arsenal since the 2023 Community Shield game against Manchester City when he got 14 minutes.
Kiwior’s history in Serie A continues to make him an attractive option for Italian clubs. His successful stint with Spezia demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in the league, adding to the incentive for potential suitors. However, Arsenal’s firm stance indicates that Kiwior’s immediate future remains at the Emirates.
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