Mikel Arteta’s promise to Dean Huijsen during transfer talks suggests ‘exceptional’ player is definitely leaving Arsenal

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Arsenal were in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen before he agreed a £50 million switch to Real Madrid.

Jakub Kiwior could leave Arsenal this summer, and thus, the Gunners may be in the market for a new central defender to provide cover and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The North London club identified Huijsen as one of the hottest prospects on the market and looked to secure a deal to sign the talented Spaniard.

Arsenal were said to be in ‘pole position’ for Huijsen at one point, having made a £50 million offer to the Cherries.

However, Real Madrid ultimately beat the Gunners and a host of other clubs to the signing, securing one of the brightest young defenders on the planet.

• READ MORE: Three defensive options Arsenal could turn to after Dean Huijsen is snapped up by Real Madrid

Arsenal were prepared to offer Dean Huijsen regular game time

When Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen emerged, some fans were surprised that the Gunners were willing to pursue yet another defender.

Mikel Arteta has added several defenders to his ranks in recent summer windows, and there’s a restless feeling amongst the fanbase that resources should instead be allocated to strengthening the attack.

However, Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen was serious, and the Athletic report that Arteta and Andrea Berta presented a strong financial offer and a broad pitch to the 19-year-old.

Arteta assured Huijsen that he’d receive significant game time at the Emirates despite Saliba and Gabriel’s presences in the squad.

Other prospective suitors for the Spain international were sceptical about Arsenal’s ability to offer these assurances, but it’s said that Arteta was insistent on this.

This signals that the Gunners boss is keen on reducing the reliance on his two starting centre-backs, but also that the North London outfit felt Huijsen was too prodigious a young talent not to snap up at a relatively modest price.

Arsenal’s Dean Huijsen pursuit surely means Jakub Kiwior will leave

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a new contract with William Saliba, meaning it’s unlikely that the pursuit of Huijsen was a result of concerns that the Frenchman could depart this summer.

However, Arteta promising Huijsen game time surely means that Kiwior is likely to be out the door in the upcoming transfer window.

Kiwior has been described as ‘exceptional’ by Arteta recently, although once Gabriel returns from injury, the 25-year-old’s minutes are likely to be limited again.

If Huijsen had come in and played regularly, there certainly would’ve been no regular role for Kiwior in the Arsenal team.

That suggests that Arsenal were either looking to replace the Pole as they anticipate his departure or that they actively want to upgrade him and will sacrifice him in the process.

Regardless, even with the Huijsen deal falling through, the Gunners should cash in on Kiwior this summer while his stock is high.