What Mikel Arteta and staff really think of wanted Arsenal man behind-the-scenes

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Arsenal have a clear plan in place for Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal paid £20 million in January to sign Jakub Kiwior from Italian side Spezia.

However, his future at the Emirates Stadium is already in doubt, with a return to Serie A being mooted. Kiwior has been heavily linked with a switch to AC Milan, who have identified the defender as a top target for the upcoming January transfer window.

It is fair to say that Kiwior is yet to establish himself as an integral figure at Arsenal. He has produced a number of decent performances, and has shown flashes of real quality, particularly with range of his passing. His versatility is also a very useful attribute for Mikel Arteta to have at his disposal, as the player can slot in at left-back as well as in the heart of the rearguard. 

The 23-year-old is very much behind the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order, though. He still has a long way to go if he is to nail down a starting place of his own.

Arteta won’t be worried about that. The Gunners need quality strength in depth, and Kiwior provides that now, and due to his age he still has the potential to get significantly better.

What do Arsenal have in mind for Jakub Kiwior?

As far as journalist Ben Jacobs is concerned, Kiwior is fulfilling the exact role that Arsenal had earmarked for him when they secured his services. Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter said, “at the back of Arteta’s mind is that injury to Saliba in the final stretch during the 2022/23 season that probably cost Arsenal the Premier League title or certainly contributed to it. Arsenal have learned that depth is important, and this is why Arteta also wants to keep Ramsdale because he wants competition for every spot and Kiwior is a part of that.” 

“Arsenal signed Kiwior to play the long game. They knew he would not be dropped in as a starter on day one, and they’re pleased with his development.”

There were certainly lessons to learn from last season. Saliba’s injury towards the end of the campaign was undoubtedly a major contributing factor towards the Gunners’ Premier League title push faltering on the final straight. There simply was not enough quality depth in place in the squad to cope with the Frenchman’s extended absence. 

Unfortunately, Arsenal are now flirting with history repeating itself. Jurrien Timber was signed in the summer to bolster the defensive contingent. However, he quickly succumbed to a long-term injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu has now also been sidelined.

Arteta now finds his defensive options once again spread dangerously thin. Bringing reinforcements in in this part of the pitch has to be a priority for Arsenal in January. It is also another reason not to countenance letting Kiwior leave this winter.