Arsenal first-team player interested in exit for game time

One Arsenal player is exploring opportunities away from the club as he seeks regular first-team football.

Arsenal’s versatile defender Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a player willing to consider his options this summer as he searches for consistent game time. The 25-year-old Poland international has attracted significant interest from European clubs, with FC Porto among those keen to secure his services.

According to The Athletic, Kiwior enjoys life at Arsenal but is interested in exploring opportunities to join clubs where he would be regarded as a regular starter. Despite his contentment in north London, the defender’s desire for regular football has become a priority as he approaches the peak years of his career.

According to reports, FC Porto recently submitted a loan offer with an obligation to buy the Pole for €27 million, though Arsenal rejected the approach. The Gunners are understood to prefer a permanent transfer, as they look to recoup funds from a large summer transfer window.

Since arriving from Spezia in January 2023 for €25 million, Kiwior has struggled for regular minutes. However, last season, the defender impressed against Champions League opposition, such as Real Madrid, when stepping up after Gabriel Magalhães was sidelined through injury.

The defender’s versatility has proven valuable to Mikel Arteta, with Kiwior capable of operating at both centre-back and left-back. His performances for Poland have been particularly impressive, playing every minute of their 2022 World Cup campaign and featuring prominently at Euro 2024.

However, competition for places at Arsenal remains fierce. With the Gunners already boasting one of the best defences in Europe, Cristhian Mosquera;s arrival means Kiwior faces an even tougher battle for regular minutes.

With his contract running until 2028, Arsenal are not under pressure to sell but would consider the right offer. A return to Italy could be an option for the defender, with multiple Serie A clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli all having been linked to Kiwior,

Arsenal continue their preparations for a tough start to a new Premier League campaign tomorrow, as they host Villarreal. The yellow submarines are also set to sign former Gunners midfielder, Thomas Partey, who is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning after being charged by the Crown Prosecution Service with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.