£20m Arsenal ace ‘glad there’s interest’ in him and makes Mikel Arteta admission

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Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has been linked with a move away just 12 months after his arrival, and has now broken his silence on his future.

The 23-year-old has shown definite promise at times, but has struggled to break into the team at centre-back given the outstanding form of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

He has featured at left-back in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, but it became quickly clear that the role, away from his natural position, does not suit him.

There have been links with Serie A sides including AC Milan, as it has been claimed that Kiwior wants to play more regularly, but given Arsenal’s lack of depth at the back, a departure would be a massive surprise.

Jakub Kiwior speaks about Arsenal future

Speaking to Polish outlet Super Express, the defender explained that whilst he expects to stay at Arsenal, he is flattered by the interest in him, and is keen on more game time.

I’m glad that I saw how such a large club works. And that I get another chance from the coach. Now I want to see more of these performances,” he stated of his time at the club so far.

“In a football context, I can say that training is at a higher level. I managed to score a goal in the Premier League, make my debut in the Champions League and establish myself in the national team.

“I would definitely like to play more, but I don’t feel like I lack experience.

“It’s definitely nice and I’m glad there’s interest in me. But I focus on what is now. Besides, there have been no talks with me yet,” he stated of the rumours surrounding him.

Arsenal cannot let Jakub Kiwior leave in January

Kiwior’s comments suggest that whilst he is happy overall, a lack of gametime between now and the end of the season could lead to further question marks over his future.

The Poland International arrived for around £20m from Spezia in January last year, and has made 24 appearances overall. However, he has featured in just 16% of Arsenal’s Premier League minutes this season.

Even if he was to push for a move in this window, Arsenal could not let him go. He is the first-choice centre-back replacement for the main two options, and despite it not being his best position, he is currently the main cover at left-back.

Any backup centre-back would struggle for game time at Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta would not want to break up his first-choice partnership, meaning Kiwior’s only realistic opportunities for starts will likely come at left-back.

Although it is not ideal for the 23-year-old, he will have to accept his role for the rest of the season at the least given the injuries and lack of cover in the back line.