Jakub Kiwior has quietly established himself as one of Arsenal’s most dependable and professional players since his arrival at the club. Signed from Spezia following his impressive performances for Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Kiwior was brought in knowing full well the challenge that awaited him in north London.
At the time, William Saliba and Gabriel had formed a formidable central defensive partnership, leaving limited opportunities for others to break into the starting eleven. Yet Kiwior did not shy away from the challenge. Instead, he set about proving his worth in training and the handful of appearances he was given.
Dependable and Underrated Presence in Defence
Whenever injuries or suspensions ruled out Saliba or Gabriel, Kiwior stepped in with composure and discipline. His positional awareness, calmness under pressure and commitment to the team’s tactical shape have not gone unnoticed by those who appreciate the finer aspects of defensive play. He may not attract headlines, but his contributions have been invaluable.
Despite his clear value to the squad, recent reports have linked the Polish international with a potential move away from the Emirates. While Arsenal may not obstruct a transfer request if Kiwior expresses a desire to leave, such a departure could carry significant consequences.
Losing Kiwior Could Create Long-Term Problems
There are very few clubs fortunate enough to possess high-quality backup defenders who can step into key matches without a significant drop in performance. Kiwior fits this description perfectly. Letting him go could open a defensive gap that may prove difficult and costly to fill.
Finding a replacement with his blend of technical ability, experience and team-first mentality is far from guaranteed. Arsenal have already felt the repercussions of parting with reliable squad players in the past. The departure of Emi Martínez remains a reminder that undervaluing depth can lead to regret.
Kiwior may not always be the first name on the team sheet, but in terms of squad stability and defensive reliability, he may be among the best backup defenders in Europe at present. Arsenal would do well to recognise his importance and ensure he remains a key part of their plans moving forward.
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Agree with you entirely.
The young man has grabbed the opportunity offered by Gabriel’s injury to establish himself as an important component of the team.
So yes, better to keep him than dissipate resources on a new recruit who may need bedding time.
Except of course the player himself pushes to leave, in which case, don’t keep an unwilling player
Disagree. His lack of pace and agility and below par aerial strength has been and will be exposed. It’s as much what he doesn’t do as the making of blatant mistakes. Good CBs seem to attract the ball like magnet.. Jacob is the opposite although our final game did give reason for hope. Like all Mikels buys he has great character but we need more even in a back up CB.
What Kiwior have you been watching since Gabriel got injured.
He has been so solid.
Against Newcastle he was so good and our best player that day in my opinion.
Kiwior has been very good since he was given a run of games.
Interesting comments Richard as, in terms of pace and agility, Kwior is at least on a par with Gabriel imo.Your thoughts on the weaknesses of Gabriel would be appreciated .
Kiwior might stay if Magalhaes or Saliba leaves, since Calafiori is too injury-prone
Lewandowski thinks training with him for Poland he’s amazing and so much potential hope he stays years ahead of him and more game time would see him become the finished article.
See, the issue is that Kiwior actually wants a place in the starting XI. Which we can’t offer him because we have Gabriel and Saliba.
As a result, I think Kiwior will probably leave- we just need to get a good amount for him.
Better for us if he stays, but I’d expect him to either want a clear path to the first team or to move for more first team football. I think he’s great, but Gabriel just has a bit more physically and brings more to the team with his personality on the pitch.
I rate him highly as a back up.
Unfrtunately, I am not sure if he will be happy warming the bench.
I hope he stays, but I think it will be his choice and not the club’s.
Kia,
I agree regards your observations about Kiwior. a good post. 👍
Would not be surprised if Kiwior wants out.
His performances during Gabriel’s injury were excellent.
However, Arteta doesn’t really rotate unless there is an injury, and there is no competition within our squad, so Kiwior would be back on the bench.
Get good money for his transfer, and look to reinvest in our defense with a young and upcoming defender.
Kiwor is very calm on defense, for me he almost in the same level with Gabriel on , only on scoring Gabi used to pass him
If we can use him to bargain for a position we are in dire need of, (Kiwior + cash for a striker/left winger), well and good. Also, if we can get good money that will help fund a major buy, let him leave.
Hi all great season again by the Gunners. Hope everyone saw on Saturday night how little Inter Milan troubled PSG.
We Arsenal had Donnarumer at full stretch with the PSG defence back pedalling in both legs. We should definitely keep Kiwor by improving his contract. And did Partey do enough to deserve a one year contract. He was sadly missed in the first leg. Just food for thought
There is 4 competitions a season.
There’s enough first team or first choice football for the whole squad 🤔 Arteta has to find the balance between League and Cup football. We all know the players and positions that need replenishing. Let’s just concentrate on that. NO.9 Striker,
Winger that beat a man 1 v 1, assist and scores. A centre-mid playmaker and defensive midfielder. The rest sorts itself out simple. Let’s not look for problems that aren’t there
I think there is indeed room for Kuwior if you consider that we have 4 competitions: EPL, FA; Carabao and Champions League. We can use him for FA and Carabao and give Gabriel a break. There is no reason why we should let go of Kiwior. He showed his ability in the past two months when Gabriel was injured. If he was able to stand up to Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool, what better test does he need? He has seen and done it all. He can only be released if he insists on being a first choice centre back because that won’t be possible. Otherwise it is unwise to let him go and then start looking for another defender.