Arsenal now appear to be in the market for a left-back in the summer transfer window, and this could lead to a surprise exit.
Mikel Arteta has four options now available to him at left-back, in Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior.
Timber has been injured for nearly the entire season, whilst there are also question marks over Tomiyasu and Zinchenko’s fitness.
Zinchenko has also come in for criticism at times in this campaign, whilst Kiwior enjoyed an initial solid run in the team before it became clear that he is more suitable to a role at centre-back.
This could lead to Arteta entering the transfer market to sign another player in the position, and Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is now a confirmed target.
If the teenage sensation does arrive, it could end the Arsenal career of one of the current options in the position, and Kiwior could be a player sacrificed to make room for Hato.
Arsenal could sell Jakub Kiwior to sign Jorrel Hato this summer
Speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast, journalist James McNicholas revealed that Kiwior is seen as a player who could be made available this summer.
“Even though someone like Jakub Kiwior has made a big contribution and a good season for the most part, it wouldn’t blow my mind if an offer came in for him and Arsenal decided to trade, there is a prospect of that this summer,” he stated.
Kiwior has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season, but is unlikely to replace Gabriel Magalhaes as a left-sided centre-back, and if Hato arrives, he appears to be the most likely option to leave.
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Ajax have endured a tough season, but Hato, as well as goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, have been two shining lights.
Hato, like Kiwior, is a left-sided centre-back who can also play on the flank, but the teenager may be seen as a full-back by Arteta, with his technical security and physical strength perhaps making him the solution as an inverted left-back.
Former interim manager John van’t Schip praised Hato earlier this season, highlighting what makes him such a desirable transfer target.
“[He’s] special in the sense that he has been able to stand his ground for so long and that he continues to reach such a high level,” he stated.
“Of course, he is still a young player, the youngest one, who still has a lot to learn, but if you look at what he brings, the way he defends, the way he can play football forward, he has a great future ahead of him.”
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In light of this, it appears that Kiwior, who arrived for £21m last January, may be sacrificed in favour of the elite wonderkid in his position. Kiwior did impress at times during his run in the team, but his failure to succeed in an inverted role means that Arteta may look to upgrade on him, and sell the Poland International whilst his value is high.