Reports in Italy suggest Jakub Kiwior will push for an Arsenal departure in the January transfer window in a bid to earn regular game time.
Kiwior joined the Gunners midway through the 2022/23 season in a £20m from Spezia and has operated as a squad player in north London. His versatility has seen him line-up as a centre-back and left-back for Mikel Arteta, with the quality at Arsenal's disposal meaning the Polish international has only ever earned a run in the team due to injury absences.
The defender made 20 Premier League appearances last season and was recently called upon to partner William Saliba while Gabriel was out injured. While Kiwior has proven to be a serviceable depth option, he's not a defender to be relied upon week in and week out - as his work for Raul Jimenez's goal at Craven Cottage proved.
However, Arsenal's current list of injuries and lack of natural centre-back depth means they can ill-afford to let any defenders go this winter.
Reports suggest Jakub Kiwior wants Serie A return in January
Jakub Kiwior getting the appreciation he deserves from the Arsenal players at full-time.
Arsenal is more than just a football club. ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/N8ChXDFxt0
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) December 4, 2024
According to Italian media outlet Il Mattino (via Football365), Kiwior has been in contact with his entourage over a possible move away next month after he was an unused substitute during Arsenal's goalless draw with Everton on Saturday.
A return to Italy seems possible, with several Serie A clubs supposedly keen on signing the Arsenal defender. Roma, Napoli, Inter and Milan are among the interested parties.
Kiwior was linked with a calcio comeback in the summer, but Arteta reportedly blocked his departure.
The 24-year-old is said to be growing frustrated with his limited role in north London and has said to his agents 'to find him a new team' this winter. Antonio Conte views Kiwior as a potential solution for Napoli's lack of defensive depth amid their pursuit of the Serie A title, but the Pole would likely face similar game-time issues in Naples as he's currently facing in north London.
The Neapolitans signed Italian international Alessandro Buongiorno from Torino in the summer and he's currently regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the division. Kiwior would be operating as his deputy.
Nevertheless, while Kiwior is a slow-turning customer with vulnerabilities in the air, Arsenal should not be entertaining his sale this winter. The Gunners are currently without a long list of defenders due to injury, and although Arteta is blessed with full-backs capable of operating in the centre of his defence, Kiwior is the only 'natural' cover for Gabriel.
He's no world-beater, but letting him go in January would be a considerable risk.
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