Mikel Arteta would be wise to let one Arsenal player leave the club this summer if an acceptable offer is made.
Jakub Kiwior could be prised away from Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The £21 million former Spezia man did not begin the season as a key player for the Gunners. However, a spate of injuries saw Mikel Arteta call upon Kiwior to fill in as a makeshift left-back for an extended period during the middle of the campaign.
The 24-year-old largely impressed during this period. Kiwior was described as a “monster” for the dominant performance he put in against Porto in the Champions League.
However, Arteta needs to make room in his squad for new arrivals this summer. Arsenal are on the hunt for a new left-back, and already have an abundance of options in that part of the pitch.
Just as Arsenal need to move on from Thomas Partey, and will seek to cash in on Eddie Nketiah, Arteta must recognise that Kiwior cannot improve his team. There is an opportunity to upgrade here.
AC Milan have now shown an interest in Kiwior. There are good reasons for the North London club to seriously consider any offer that may arrive from the Serie A outfit.
Jakub Kiwior showed his limitations as Arsenal lost to Bayern Munich
As much as Kiwior generally impressed as an auxiliary left-back, he came unstuck against truly elite opposition. In the first-leg of the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, he could not cope with the pace and directness of Leroy Sane.
What’s more, Kiwior offers very little as an attacking outlet, significantly hampering the Gunners on left flank at the top end of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta can take advantage of Jakub Kiwior’s enhanced reputation
Whilst the player’s flaws became clear this season, Kiwior’s stock is now higher than ever. The 21-cap Poland international has come to Arsenal and made an impact. However, he is a centre-back by trade, but will never usurp William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order when it comes to the heart of the Arsenal rearguard.
Arteta must capitalise on Kiwior’s enhanced reputation to extract the highest possible fee for the player and allow him to operate in his preferred position elsewhere.
Arsenal need to cut left-back contingent
On top of Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu can all play in that position. Something has to give, especially with Arteta keen to sign another left-back.
As interest in Kiwior exists, it makes sense for him to depart and make space for a replacement.