Arsenal are willing to offer Jakub Kiwior a new contract but may struggle to keep the defender at the club this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.
When Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the season with a hamstring tear during the Premier League victory over Fulham at the start of April, many were fearful over Kiwior’s ability to replace him.
However, Kiwior has excelled for Arsenal since being given the chance to partner William Saliba at the heart of the Gunners defence.
Kiwior was lauded by his team mates for his performances against Real Madrid in particular and also dealt with the threat of PSG in an accomplished fashion despite the club’s defeat.
Despite his recent success, there still remain doubts over whether the Polish international will remain at Arsenal.
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Arsenal willing to offer Jakub Kiwior new contract on one condition
Arsenal Insider recently revealed that Kiwior wants regular first-team football whether that is at the Emirates Stadium or elsewhere.
The Polish defender hasn’t changed his stance but the Gunners are willing to offer him a new contract in order to convince him to stay at the club.
TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told us that the contract offer comes under the condition that Kiwior is still prepared to be the understudy to the Saliba-Gabriel partnership.
Bailey stated: “Arsenal would be willing to give Jakub Kiwior a new contract if he suddenly said, ‘Look, I’m staying put, I want to commit’. He’s done brilliantly in Gabriel’s absence but that’s not a shock to anyone at the club.
“They rate him very highly but I think while his performances have proven Arsenal right with what they think of him, it’s underlined the fact that he’s going to be hard to keep as a number three defender. He’s too good for that, and he’s shown that.
“I don’t want to speak for Arsenal fans, but they might be more understanding of his situation now, where they’ve seen just how good he is and perhaps realise that you can’t have everything and I firmly believe he will get that move.
“These performances have probably helped his value, they’re probably going to at least double their money on him. You can’t just keep players. He knows he can go and play first-team football for many, many big clubs around Europe. It’s an interesting one with him.”
Arsenal must replace Kiwior should he be allowed to leave
If Arsenal do allow Kiwior to leave the club, replacing the Polish international becomes a priority for Andrea Berta in the transfer window.
Viktor Gyokeres is close to signing for Arsenal amid their desperate search for a resolution to their striker woes but Kiwior’s departure would also create a hole at the back.
Arsenal are interested in Dean Huijsen and the young talent could be a replacement for the Polish defender, whilst Ajax star Jorrel Hato is also a long-term target of the Gunners.
Whatever the outcome of Kiwior’s future, Arsenal cannot afford to leave themselves short in a vital area as they did this season, lessons must be learned by the club.
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