Jakub Kiwior reacts to Gabriel’s new message as exit talks ‘accelerate’ at Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes’ return to fitness for Arsenal could spell the end of Jakub Kiwior’s time at the Emirates.
Kiwior became a regular stand-in for the Gunners last season and 21 of his 30 overall appearances came in the starting line-up, usually when either Gabriel or William Saliba were unavailable in central defence.
The majority of these starts came after Gabriel was ruled out beyond the end of the campaign with a hamstring injury suffered against Fulham on 1 April, leaving Kiwior to partner Saliba for Arsenal’s run-in.
Gabriel has since signed a new contract to stay put at the Emirates until 2029, but Kiwior’s long-term Arsenal future is far less assured amid links with moves to several European clubs this summer.
Gabriel rallies Arsenal fans ahead of Man United showdown
A move to Serie A could be on the cards for Kiwior this summer, and a potential switch to AC Milan looks set to accelerate as Newcastle close in on the signing of centre-back Malick Thiaw from the Rossoneri.
It remains to be seen if Kiwior will be in the matchday squad for Arsenal‘s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 17 August, but Gabriel surely will be after his return to fitness.
Gabriel came through unscathed in Arsenal’s final pre-season friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, and posted on Instagram after the Gunners’ 3-0 win over the latter in Saturday’s Emirates Cup.
In a message (10 August) liked by the exit-linked Kiwior, Gabriel said: “Next up! See you next week GUNNERS!”
Kiwior exit on the cards amid Arsenal transfer developments
Football Insider Verdict
Arsenal have spent big this summer in a bid to avoid a fourth straight season as Premier League runners-up, with an outlay of over £185million and statements of intent made to sign the likes of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners aren’t done yet though, and former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Kiwior will be open to accepting transfer offers made by Serie A clubs like Milan or Juventus.
Cristhian Mosquera’s £13m arrival from Valencia knocks Kiwior even further behind Saliba and Gabriel in the Arsenal pecking order, and this could leave the writing on the wall for the Polish international’s future.