3 reasons why Arsenal fans should be excited about Jakub Kiwior’s arrival

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Jakub Kiwior of Poland in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974 on November 22, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Jakub Kiwior of Poland in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974 on November 22, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

It was quite the introduction to life at the Emirates for Jakub Kiwior as he watched on in the stands on Sunday evening.

Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United felt more significant than any other triumph the Gunners have collected this season as they re-asserted themselves as the Premier League’s top dogs. Mikel Arteta’s side could’ve easily succumbed to the pressure after Manchester City picked up back-to-back wins, but they didn’t blink when United came to town.

A controlled and dominant display, one which culminated in a dramatic late winner, would’ve left Kiwior entranced. The 22-year-old has since joined the club from Spezia after a £17.5m deal was struck on Friday with Arsenal announcing his arrival on Monday night.

It’s a low-key addition, and one that came out of nowhere, but there’s reason to believe this was another bit of shrewd business from the Gunners.

3 reasons why Arsenal fans should be excited about Jakub Kiwior’s arrival

Here are three reasons why Arsenal fans should be excited about the Kiwior deal.

1. Greater centre-back depth

Jakub Kiwior will usurp Rob Holding in the depth chart. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Jakub Kiwior will usurp Rob Holding in the depth chart. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Centre-back isn’t an area Arsenal needed to address this winter, but Kiwior’s arrival undoubtedly boosts the depth chart at the heart of defence.

The left-footed arrival will play second fiddle to Gabriel with Rob Holding providing cover for William Saliba.

The Brazilian, who is maturing by the game, has played a lot of football this season and he should earn a rest when the Gunners feature in the FA Cup or Europa League. Should Kiwior settle quickly, he could take Gabriel’s minutes in these competitions.

Moreover, while primarily a centre-back, Kiwior also has the capacity to play in a holding midfield position meaning Arsenal have indirectly provided more support for Thomas Partey. This is an area the Gunners are keen to strengthen in 2023, but Kiwior could be an option there until Declan Rice joins in the summer.

Continued on the next slide…