What Arsenal staff now actually think about Jakub Kiwior after seeing him this season

Since signing for Arsenal almost a year ago, Jakub Kiwior has seemingly been making steady progress under Mikel Arteta.

The Poland international looks a clever signing at £20m, a 23-year-old who’s ready to start in important games, but also has some much room for growth.

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

And ahead of a trip to PSV Eindhoven tonight, a game Kiwior is likely to start for Arsenal, journalist Ben Jacobs has now been detailing some behind the scene thoughts.

Jacobs was speaking to GIVEMESPORT and detailed the plan that was put in place for Kiwior at the club, as well as how he’s progressing now.

Speaking about the value of squad depth as a whole at first, Jacobs thought that Arsenal had learned a lesson.

He said: “At the back of Arteta’s mind is that injury to Saliba in the final stretch during the 2022/23 season that probably cost Arsenal the Premier League title or certainly contributed to it. 

“Arsenal have learned that depth is important, and this is why Arteta also wants to keep Ramsdale because he wants competition for every spot and Kiwior is a part of that.

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“Arsenal signed Kiwior to play the long game. They knew he would not be dropped in as a starter on day one, and they’re pleased with his development.”

Mikel Arteta has a long-term vision for Jakub Kiwior at Arsenal

Of course, these comments are particularly pertinent given some speculation of an exit for Kiwior in January.

One European giant is said to have huge interest in the defender, who some clubs seem to assume is available given his lack of minutes.

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However, that doesn’t seem to be the case with Kiwior.

As stated, Mikel Arteta is keen to have solid and trusted back up in all areas of his Arsenal squad this season, and Kiwior is vital to that.

As well as his proficiency at centre-back, the Polish international has also been learning an inverted role at left-back this season, another string to his bow.

And it surely would take an unfathomable offer to tempt Arsenal into any sale in mid-season.

This is a squad carefully crafted through long-term planning, and a ‘dead rubber’ against PSV Eindhoven will be a great test of the quality that exists beyond the starting eleven.

That being said, here is Mikel Arteta’s predicted XI.

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