Arsenal have a big decision to make over the future of Jakub Kiwior.
Jakub Kiwior has been linked with a move away from Arsenal in January. The centre-back is not a regular starter for the Gunners, and may well attract a decent fee.
The north London club will surely have to sell players if they are to fund a move for any of their top January transfer targets.
However, Mikel Arteta should not countenance letting the 23-year-old leave the Emirates Stadium any time soon.
The Spanish coach has previously hailed Kiwior as being a “hugely impressive” player, and it is obvious that he has vast potential. Even in the limited opportunities he has been given so far in his Arsenal career, he has generally been able to catch the eye.
Why Jakub Kiwior should stay at Arsenal
The biggest challenge Kiwior faces at Arsenal comes in the form of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair have formed a solid and reliable partnership in the heart of the Arsenal defence, which Arteta would be understandably reluctant to break apart.
However, football, more than ever these days, is a squad game. With the amount of matches that Arsenal will have to play this season, squad rotation, injuries, and suspensions are unavoidable. Kiwior will get plenty of chances to play, and Arteta will certainly need him at some stage.
The long-term injury sustained by £38 million summer signing Jurrien Timber has already left Arteta a little short on defensive options. With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both needed in full-back roles, there is a clear pathway into the starting XI for Kiwior should one of Saliba or Gabriel be unavailable for whatever reason.
In centre-back terms, Kiwior is still very young, too. The £58,000-a-week ace can afford to take this time fulfilling a vital squad role and learning from those around him at Arsenal. Staying at Arsenal makes sense for both him and the club.
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