Football Today
·4 September 2024
Football Today
·4 September 2024
Arsenal turned down multiple offers from Serie A clubs for defender Jakub Kiwior this summer, according to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna during the recent transfer window. There were suggestions that Kiwior could make way after his arrival.
Bologna and Inter Milan made formal offers to sign him on loan with an option to buy, but Arsenal wanted an outright fee of £17 million for his transfer.
This was reportedly too expensive for Bologna while Inter did not pursue a deal either. The Nerazzurri wanted him as a deputy for Alessandro Bastoni.
Napoli and Fiorentina also had a strong interest. They offered to sign the 24-year-old on a straight loan, but the Gunners did not entertain their proposals.
Kiwior had an important role under manager Mikel Arteta during the back end of last season. The Pole caught the eye with multiple displays at left-back.
However, he has yet to make an appearance this term. Calafiori has got the nod over him off the bench in two of the opening three Premier League games.
Kiwior, who can also play in central defence or in holding midfield, did not push for a summer exit, but the scenario could change at the turn of the year.
Kiwior, who was praised as ‘extraordinary‘ by Robert Lewandowski, will be hoping for minutes with the possibility of rotation over the coming months.
If his situation does not improve, he could request an exit this winter. A departure of any kind could still depend on whether Takehiro Tomiyasu stays fit.
The Japanese star picked up a fresh knee injury in pre-season and has no return date.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.