Arsenal defender ‘is targeted by two European giants’ after slipping down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta

An Arsenal defender is reportedly the subject of interest from two European clubs after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta. 

The player in question was able to feature regularly throughout last season but may move elsewhere to seek more regular first-team football. 

He was also an unused substitute during the Gunners’ Premier League opener as they beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. 

Reports are now linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium before the summer transfer shuts on September 1. 

According to The Standard, Polish defender Jakub Kiwior is a target for both AC Milan and Porto having impressed while deputising for Gabriel in the final 12 games of last season as Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals. 

However, he may face a battle to even be a back-up option to either Gabriel or William Saliba following the arrival of Spain U21 international Christian Mosquera from Valencia earlier this summer.

However, he now looks to be left fighting for his spot as a back-up player under Mikel Arteta

Arteta has a number of defenders to chose from who can play in central defence, including Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior, Mosquera, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber. 

Kiwior, 25, signed for Arsenal for £20million in January 2023 from Italian side Spezia -a fee which Arteta will be hoping to make a profit on should he be sold. 

Kiwior is one of a number players Arsenal are looking to move on in the final few weeks of the transfer window.

Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson could all depart before the end of this month.

Leandro Trossard’s future is also unclear as he has not signed a new deal and did not play at Old Trafford. 

While the Gunners have spent nearly £200m on new signings already this summer, they could add further depth having already brought in the likes of Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi Noni Madueke. 

Their new-look front line, spearheaded by Gyokeres, failed to click against United – although the team’s proficiency from set-pieces earned them an important win. 

Arsenal are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they welcome newly-promoted Leeds United to the Emirates.