Arsenal have been urged to sell one player this summer in order to make room for Riccardo Calafiori at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite having an abundance of options who can can play at left-back for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is still keen to make an addition in this part of the pitch during the summer transfer window.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all played at left-back for the Gunners least season, whilst Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares both still remain on the North London club’s books.
Tierney and Tavares spent last season out on loan. Arteta will now be keen to move on the duo on a permanent basis. However, Tierney returned to Arsenal after sustaining an injury at Euro 2024. The Gunners may struggle to move the Scot on if he is now set for an extended period on the sidelines.
As Arsenal are now closing in on a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, at least one of Zinchenko, Timber, Kiwior, or Tomiyasu will need to be moved on too. Timber is still a relatively new signing and will be central to Arteta’s plans, whilst Tomiyasu recently signed a new contract with the club. This leaves the manager with a decision to make between Kiwior and Zinchenko.
Darren Bent tells Arsenal who to choose between Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko with Riccardo Calafiori incoming
Former England striker Darren Bent has now given his view on how Arteta ought to approach this issue.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the pundit said: “Also, he [Riccardo Calafiori] could play at left-back, which could help as well. Centre-half wise, we are more than adequate in that area, but also from the left-back situation, Arsenal have got about, I think, it’s still six left-backs, so that’s one area, I think left-back was an issue.
“I know Timber has come back, but Zinchenko, he’s probably the one I would allow to leave before, keep Jakub Kiwior because I think Kiwior last season showed signs that he could be a top left-back for Arsenal. Listen, another defender (Riccardo Calafiori), another option. It’s always good.”
Why Arsenal should sell Zinchenko rather than Kiwior
Zinchenko is considered something of a defensive liability and also suffered a loss of form last season, slipping down the pecking order towards the end of the campaign. The Ukrainian is undoubtedly sensationally talented, and had a huge impact at Arsenal upon his arrival, with his inverted interpretation of the full-back role.
However, Arteta is now said to have lost faith in Zinchenko, having lost patience with his lapses in concentration. Meanwhile, whilst Kiwior certainly has his limitations, particularly as a left-back where he lacks attacking impetus, but he can also slot in at centre-back and at 24-years-old still offers the potential to improve.
However, as there is known transfer interest in Kiwior this summer, it may prove easier to move the Poland international on.
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