Arsenal star axed by Arteta as transfer moves closer

Jakub Kiwior was dropped for Arsenal‘s opening Premier League game ahead of a potential transfer.

The Polish defender is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates despite the fact that he was a valuable member of Mikel Arteta’s side last season. The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori has thrown up a need for the Gunners to shed some defensive weight and Kiwior looks to be the man to be axed.

Though Calafiori also didn’t start in the opener against Wolves – Oleksandr Zinchenko got the nod at left-back – Kiwior was not involved in the matchday squad at all, similar to Joe Gomez at Liverpool, Jadon Sancho at Man Utd and Manuel Ugarte at PSG.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, this was a ‘technical decision’ by coach Arteta, meaning that Kiwior was fit to play but the Spanish boss elected not to pick him. He is expected to depart before the window shuts.

Romano on Kiwior

Despite the Pole’s omission, Romano reports that a sale is not yet imminent. Kiwior has suitors and has had them since at least January, but there are so far no advanced talks with any clubs.

Kiwior has many admirers in Serie A and it is thought that he could return to Italy this summer, though talk of a move to Napoli has gone quiet as they have signed several other defensive options.

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Arsenal are looking to raise funds via sales to offset this summer’s outlay on David Raya and Calafiori as well as Mike Merino, who is on the verge of joining the Gunners for around €30 million.

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are also candidates to depart, but Arsenal have so far priced interested clubs out of moves for the duo. Meanwhile, talks continue with Ajax over Aaron Ramsdale, who is thought to be keen on the move.