£25m Signing Fails to Deliver: A Defensive Rebuild Looms

Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal has been marked by a remarkable transformation, with the club progressing through various levels since he took charge.

While there have been whispers of Arteta employing “dark arts” in recent weeks, it’s impossible to argue against the remarkable job he’s done in bringing Arsenal back to the upper echelons of English football.

The Gunners, however, have fallen short of clinching the Premier League title in the past two seasons, largely due to the formidable challenge posed by Manchester City.

Nevertheless, Arteta’s work in revitalising the club is undeniable.

Amidst the rebuilding process, some players have thrived, while others have struggled to find their place in the new-look Arsenal.

One such player is Jakub Kiwior, who, after a disappointing showing against Bournemouth, may be on borrowed time at the Emirates.

Defensive Overload: A Squad with Depth but Issues

Arteta, along with sporting director Edu, deserves credit for transforming Arsenal’s squad, particularly in defence.

The formidable partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is now widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe.

Arsenal legend Lauren even hailed them as the best centre-back duo in the Premier League last season, and their performances have helped solidify the Gunners’ backline.

However, despite the strides made defensively, Arsenal are now facing a surplus of left-footed defenders.

Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, who arrived from Manchester City for £30m, have seen their roles reduced due to form and injury issues.

The summer additions of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have further crowded the defensive options, leaving players like Kieran Tierney, who has already been linked with a move away, and Kiwior, facing an uncertain future.

Kiwior’s Struggles: A £25m Gamble That Hasn’t Paid Off

Jakub Kiwior was signed from Spezia for £20m in January 2023, arriving with significant promise as a versatile and talented defender.

However, his performances have yet to justify the investment.

Against Bournemouth, Kiwior had a particularly tough day, replacing Saliba after the Frenchman’s red card, only to be subbed off himself later in the game.

Football.london’s Kaya Kaynak gave Kiwior a 5/10 rating for his performance, noting his weak pass that led to Bournemouth’s penalty as a crucial mistake.

Kiwior’s 24-minute cameo in that match exposed his lack of sharpness, and while it would be unfair to judge him on one performance, his limited game time this season has not done much to inspire confidence in his long-term future at Arsenal.

Since his arrival, the Polish international has cost the club around £25m in transfer fees and wages, but he has yet to establish himself in Arteta’s plans.

His sporadic appearances and positional shifts, such as playing at left-back last season, suggest he is not seen as a key figure in the first team.

Time to Move On?

Despite Kiwior’s undeniable talent, even praised by Robert Lewandowski, it’s becoming clear that he may not have a long-term role at Arsenal.

With other defensive options emerging, including Euro 2024 star Calafiori, it seems unlikely that Kiwior will displace Saliba, Gabriel, or Timber anytime soon.

Arteta has shown in the past that he isn’t afraid to cut ties with players who don’t fit into his vision, and Kiwior may be the next to go.

A move away in 2025 could be the best solution for both the player and the club.

Kiwior has potential, but for him to flourish, he may need to seek pastures new—especially with Arsenal’s defensive depth making it difficult for him to secure regular playing time.

In the end, the £25m invested in Kiwior may not have paid off as Arsenal had hoped.

For Arteta, who continues to reshape the squad, moving the Polish defender on could be another necessary step in fine-tuning his team for future success.