Arsenal are ready to explore another signing at the back if Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko leave this window.
Clubs lining up for Kiwior and Zinchenko
The final week of the summer market could see Arsenal busy again, this time with their defence. Reports suggest Porto are pressing hard for Jakub Kiwior. But, the defender has struggled to make into the starting XI.
Despite playing over 60 games, the player has mostly been used as backup under head coach Mikel Arteta. Porto had an earlier bid turned away but are likely to return with a better offer. The Gunners are bracing for the possibility of losing him. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that if Kiwior heads out, the club could look to the market for a replacement.
Zinchenko’s case adds another twist. The defender has seen his minutes shrink this season. Fenerbahce were linked earlier this month, and given his current role, a move isn’t ruled out.
Both players together take home around £210k-per-week. So. their exits would open the door for Arsenal to adjust their wage bill while adding new faces to the backline.
Arteta weighing late defensive options
The north London side have plenty of names already available in central and left-sided defence. But, Arteta knows a long season demands squad balance. Their focus now shifts to filling potential gaps behind.
There’s high chance that Porto succeed in landing Kiwior and Zinchenko also leaves. If that happens, the Gunners could push for a defender capable of fitting Arteta’s system quickly.
That said, another left-footed option would give him cover in the squad. The next few days could define how Arsenal’s squad shapes up for the rest of the season. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Arteta goes into the season with the current options or moves fast in the market.
Author’s Opinion
If both Kiwior and Zinchenko leave, Arsenal can’t take a risk on relying on their options. A late signing makes sense, especially with the rotation demands. It feels like a decision that could shape their season.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
