Jakub Kiwior makes Arsenal decision amid Napoli interest in January
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could lose a defender in the January transfer window, according to a report.
Il Mattino has reported that Jakub Kiwior has decided to leave Arsenal next month. The defender has told his agents to find him a new club for the second half of the season and beyond.
The Italian publication has claimed that Kiwior, who can play as a centre-back or as a left-back, is the first name on Napoli head coach Antonio Conte’s wishlist for the January transfer window.
Why Jakub Kiwior wants to leave Arsenal
Kiwior made the decision on his immediate future after he was left out of Arsenal’s starting line-up against Everton in the Premier League this past weekend. The defender was an unused substitute. The match finished in a goalless draw.
The Poland international, who cost Arsenal £20 million (Sky Sports) in transfer fees when they signed him from Spezia in January 2023, has made only 13 appearances so far this season. He has given two assists in those games.
Il Mattino has reported that Kiwior’s agents will meet with Napoli in the coming days. Conte has already said ‘yes’ to a potential deal.
Arsenal will not miss Jakub Kiwior
While Kiwior is a very good defender and is still only 24, his departure will not matter to Arsenal, either now or in the long run.
During his time at Arsenal so far, Kiwior has made only 35 appearances in the Premier League. The Poland international defender has scored two goals and given three assists in those games. He has also kept seven clean sheets.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta clearly does not see Kiwior as a regular in his starting line-up. He is essentially a squad player for the Gunners.
If Arsenal can get a decent fee for Kiwior in January, then they should not hesitate to offload the defender to Napoli.
Napoli are aiming to win the Serie A title this season, and head coach Conte could be able to convince his bosses to splash the cash to get a deal done for Kiwior.