Player’s transfer demand to agent is nightmare scenario for Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal injury crisis

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Mikel Arteta could see a number of players leave Arsenal in the upcoming winter transfer window. 

Whilst Arsenal have been urged to sign a striker in January, there could also be some outings from the Emirates Stadium. 

With Raheem Sterling having barely featured for Arsenal so far this season, the winger may be keen to call time on his loan stint in North London early. 

On top of that, Thomas Partey will become available to foreign clubs on a pre-contract agreement when the January transfer window opens, unless he pens a new contract with the Gunners before then. 

It would now seem that a defender is keen to secure an Arsenal exit too.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Jakub Kiwior pushing for Arsenal exit

Jakub Kiwior has asked his agent to secure a transfer away from the North London club, amid interest in his services from Napoli. 

The Polish defender featured for Spezia in Serie A prior to his arrival at Arsenal in January 2022, and it would now appear that he has his heart set on a return to the Italian top flight.

Certainly, as he is firmly behind Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the pecking order, Kiwior has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter in his preferred centre-back role at Arsenal. 

Arteta has often called upon Kiwior to deputise as a makeshift left-back, but the 24-year-old is limited in this position as he lacks attacking quality.

Whilst it is understandable why Kiwior is open to a move at this stage in his career, his decision to pursue a departure has come at the worst possible time for Arteta.

Arsenal defensive injury crisis

Arsenal are currently dealing with a spate of defensive injuries.

Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out of action for some time, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori are also currently sidelined. 

Jurrien Timber has recently returned from injury, but needs to be managed carefully, as he may still be vulnerable to fitness issues following his ACL injury last season.

With all of these casualties in his defensive contingent, Arteta needs as many players available in that part of the pitch as possible, including Kiwior. 

Whilst the Spanish coach may well accept that the player does not have a long term future at the club, he has to convince him to stick around until the end of the season to provide the depth that is required.