A £20m Arsenal player who Mikel Arteta called "exceptional" now "wants to leave", and a move across Europe is "very likely".
Arteta praises his side after victory at Old Trafford
The fixture list handed the Gunners a tricky start to the 2025-26 campaign, as travelling to Old Trafford is always a daunting task, but Arteta's side got the job done courtesy of a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori, and the manager was pleased with the performance.
The Spaniard was particularly impressed with his side's "phenomenal" display from a defensive standpoint, while he also praised the way in which they were able to handle the occasion, given the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford.
William Saliba and Gabriel were, of course, at the heart of the defence, as the centre-back duo usually are if they are both fit, which means the north Londoners' back-up options only receive limited game time.
That may not be too much of an issue for younger players, such as new signing Cristhian Mosquera, but defenders in the prime of their career are unlikely to want to play second fiddle.
As such, there is a feeling that Jakub Kiwior could now be heading for the exit door this summer, with Włodarczyk recently taking to X to reveal the Polish defender "wants to leave", amid interest from FC Porto.
Saka-Saliba-Kiwior
In fact, a move to the Liga Portugal club is deemed "very likely", as they "haven't given up", after submitting an official offer back in July.
The 25-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £20m back in 2023, was left out of the squad that travelled to Old Trafford, and talks over an exit are currently "ongoing".
Losing "exceptional" Kiwior could be blow for Arteta
Given that Saliba and Gabriel are almost nailed on to start in the Premier League if they are available, it is always going to be a difficult task for the Poland international to force his way into the side, but he has impressed when given the opportunity.
Indeed, with Gabriel sidelined due to injury, the former Spezia man was given the nod against Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League semi-final last season, and he certainly caught Arteta's eye with his performance.
The Arsenal boss said: "He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn't played too much throughout many months, and suddenly he's been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven't had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it, and I think he's been exceptional."
Dependable back-up options are hard to come by, so it would be disappointing to lose Kiwior this summer, although not the end of the world, given Mosquera's arrival.