Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior is still looking at a possible exit in the summer transfer window, despite his recent heroics in the first-team, Arsenal Insider understands.
The Polish international has largely been a backup option in the backline since making a £20million move from Spezia.
With a lack of minutes, Kiwior has been linked with a transfer exit in the past two transfer windows, but it never came.
That was fortunate, with Gabriel’s injury leaving Arsenal light and calling upon the 25-year-old to step up in the big moments.
At centre-back, Kiwior hasn’t looked out of place and has shown his quality in the side at an important time.
Despite that, a transfer exit could still be on the cards this summer.
Jakub Kiwior still open to Arsenal transfer exit
A huge summer transfer window awaits Andrea Berta, who will be tasked with some big decisions on signings.
In the background will also be some discussions over potential exits to help balance the squad out, with Kiwior one of those who could be set to leave.
While he has recently received minutes, the defender is facing a move away in search of more minutes in the transfer window.
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Arsenal Insider spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about Kiwior’s future, as he exclusively revealed: “I think it’s the same as the last two windows, the player wants to go and play first-team football in Italy, but as I’ve said over the last two windows, Arsenal have just refused to let him go.
“I think this summer, it’ll be very hard for them. I think if anything, he is currently driving his price up a bit, which might tempt Arsenal, but he wants to go and play first-team football in Italy.
“He hasn’t changed his opinion; he’s very happy there, but Arsenal can’t guarantee him first-team football, that’s the problem.
“He knows Gabriel and Saliba are the first choice. He thinks he is good enough to be the first choice, but him thinking it and getting it are two different things.
“I still firmly believe he’s more than likely to be back in Italy this summer, but Arsenal don’t have to sell him. Could he stay, and would they reward him with a new deal? I wouldn’t rule it out necessarily.”
While it means an exit could be on the cards, there is then the possibility of a defender signing to replace him.
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Potential Jakub Kiwior transfer replacements at Arsenal
With Kiwior set for a potential exit, there may be a need to enter the market to find another centre-back option.
Nathan Collins of Brentford has been linked with Arsenal, with him being an option who could fill that role.
Beyond him, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is of interest, but seemingly has suitors across the division.
With the role being a backup one, it may be difficult to attract a player who could fit that role and would be happy.
Looking internally, Ben White may be playing more of a squad role, capable of filling in at right-back and centre-back.
It remains to be seen what Arsenal do, but it could make for an interesting new position to look at, which wasn’t a priority before.
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