Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made a strong move by preventing a loan deal for Jakub Kiwior to Sevilla in La Liga during the summer transfer window. The decision follows Kiwior’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium for a hefty cost of £20 million just a few months ago.
Kiwior, a Polish international who joined from Serie A team Spezia in January, hasn’t been able to find consistent playing time under Arteta’s leadership. With Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes firmly established as Arteta’s favorite choice for the left-sided center-back position, he has started only seven Premier League matches.
“We haven’t talked about it publicly, but some time has passed,” Borek now tells TVP Sport. “The topic is no longer hot and, in hindsight, no one will be offended if we reveal the name of the club.
“Sevilla really wanted to sign Kiwior on loan in the last transfer window. The club was supposed to fight until the end (to get him), but it was not enough to convince the Arsenal coach.
“Arteta said ‘no’ to Sevilla. That’s why Kiwior stayed at Arsenal.”
Despite low playing time, Kiwior showed his potential in a recent encounter, helping to Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Arteta is set on keeping the 23-year-old, declining any loan offers during the summer transfer window.
Given Arsenal’s history of defensive depth worries, Kiwior’s presence in the squad is regarded as critical. His outstanding performance at the Qatar World Cup over a year ago drew attention, and Jerzy Dudek, a former Poland international, is optimistic that Kiwior will be given more opportunities at the club level.
“In the last few years, we’ve had many players in Serie A. That was a big surprise. Now it seems like we are getting more players to the Premier League, which is a very demanding division,” stated Dudek, a 2005 Champions League winner,
“I hope (Kwior) gets more chances. It is nice to sign for the big club. But, at the end of the day, you need to play. He is a great player, still young, and very important to the national team.”
Arsenal fans will be watching Kiwior’s progress closely as he seeks a more prominent role in the club under Arteta’s coaching.
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