Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta speaks to his team during the second half against Bournemouth. (Image: Getty Images)
Jakub Kiwior has reportedly sanctioned an exit from Arsenal to pave the way for the club to finalise a £42million deal for Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. Like Kiwior, Calafiori is primarily a centre-back who can also play at left-back, which could signal the end of Kiwior’s tenure in north London.
The Gunners already have a wealth of options in that position, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney all having played there under Mikel Arteta. Despite joining from Spezia just 18 months ago, Polish outlet Meczyki claim that Kiwior is ready for a transfer, with several Italian clubs interested.
Although Inter Milan were initially thought to be leading the race, it appears they are currently not interested. Kiwior has previously been linked with Juventus and AC Milan, while Bologna also considered him as part of the Calafiori deal.
A move to Juventus would reunite Kiwior with his former Spezia manager, Thiago Motta. However, Kiwior’s departure could leave Arteta with a selection dilemma at left-back.
Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during a training session at Los Angeles Rams Practice Facility. (Image: Getty Images)
Timber has recently made a comeback from a lengthy injury, while Tomiyasu is dealing with a knee problem that could keep him out for the entire pre-season. Zinchenko has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich.
Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, is expected to depart the Emirates before the transfer deadline on August 30.
Riccardo Calafiori is on the verge of joining Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
Arteta has remained tight-lipped about Arsenal’s transfer dealings but has plans to bolster his squad in several areas. “We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources, especially in terms of numbers where we are very short,” the head coach revealed.
“We will do our utmost, but the primary focus should be on appreciating the players we have and improving them… Perfection in this league requires different standards to relate that word to winning the Premier League. That’s what we need to do, we need to upgrade everything we’re doing and improve in every area. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Kiwior played for half an hour as Arsenal kicked off their pre-season tour of the USA on Wednesday, securing a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth in Los Angeles. The Polish player replaced 17-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven and scored the decisive penalty after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Arsenal’s next match is against Manchester United on Saturday.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1928164/Arsenal-transfer-news-Riccardo-Calafiori-Kiwior