Prior to Jakub Kiwior’s performance against Manchester United, many Arsenal fans were rather ambivalent about the defender possibly leaving in the January transfer window.
Along with Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko, it’s almost been felt as if Arsenal’s project has moved beyond Kiwior, who was never equipped to challenge Gabriel Magalhaes.
Instead, Kiwior had a run as a left-back owing to injuries last season, a chance he originally took very well.
However, over time it became clear that Mikel Arteta needed a more sophisticated attacking talent in the role, someone who could do it at both ends of the pitch.
In summary, it was deemed by many that Kiwior was surplus to requirements at Arsenal, especially after Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival, but that’s now not the case.
Arsenal should consider selling Takehiro Tomiyasu in January
Against United, Kiwior showcased his reliability as a left centre-back – he’s never going to replace Gabriel but he’s well-equipped to stick around as his understudy.
Arsenal fans were stunned by Kiwior in the 2-0 win over Ruben Amorim’s team, and some were even apologising to the Poland international for judging him too early.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim makes bizarre claim about Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka after losing 2-0 at the Emirates
If he were fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu would have probably started ahead of Kiwior.
Arteta rates Tomiyasu very highly, a defender who has so much defensive ability and class on the ball.
However, if it’s a choice of which of the two to let go in January, it would have to be Tomiyasu.
The Japan international has become a ‘problem’ for Arsenal because of his injuries, a player the club can sadly never rely upon.
And as frustrating as these repeat issues must be for Tomiyasu, it could be getting to the point when it’s best for the club to move on.
Riccardo Calafiori issues mean Arsenal still need Jakub Kiwior
Selling Kiwior in January would be a huge risk for Arteta – he’d be losing someone who’s rarely ever unavailable.
Given his injury history before he joined Arsenal, Calafiori’s regular issues are also becoming a bit of concern at the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Three players who could leave Arsenal in January as sources share transfer window update
Jurrien Timber is doing a lot better in that regard, his fitness is improving all of the time at Arsenal.
But given that Arteta is going to need to manage his squad throughout the New Year across several competitions, losing Kiwior would be a huge blow.
Whereas if someone came in for Tomiyasu in January once he were fit, it might be right decision for Arsenal to reluctantly sell now, ahead of finding an alternative in the summer.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
