A player from the Gunners has described the “challenging” discussion he held with head coach Mikel Arteta, during which he requested a departure from the squad.
The summer transfer window saw Arsenal actively involved, securing the signatures of eight new additions to the team, including Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.
This enhanced squad depth has proven beneficial to Arteta in the early stages of the season. However, a larger squad presents selection dilemmas and can lead to players seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Arsenal player directly requested to leave of Mikel Arteta
Despite the arrival of new players, the club faced difficulties in generating significant revenue from outgoing transfers.
Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu were allowed to leave, while modest transfer fees were received for the permanent departures of Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Additionally, five more first-team players were loaned out, raising hopes that Arsenal might receive future transfer fees for these players.
Among these players is Jakub Kiwior, who joined Porto towards the end of the transfer window. The agreement stipulates that the Portuguese club will finalize his transfer next summer. Kiwior has since discussed his reasons for joining Porto.
In an interview with Laczy Nas Pilka in his native Poland, Kiwior revealed that “The manager highlighted the club’s prestige and offered his best wishes,” when asked about his final conversation with Arteta.
He added, “The initial discussion, when I requested the loan, was more challenging. It was a novel experience for me, prompting me to speak with him directly. He showed understanding and offered his support.”
During his time in North London, Kiwior primarily served as a substitute, filling in at left-back during the 2023/24 season. He later received an opportunity in his preferred centre-back position last season when Gabriel sustained an injury late in the campaign.
The 25-year-old impressed during his appearances for Arsenal, delivering strong performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, with Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, Kiwior confirmed that his decision to leave England was motivated by a desire for more playing time.
He stated, “From a league perspective, the move from Arsenal to Porto might seem like a step down, but from a club perspective, it is certainly not.”
“At Porto, I am getting the consistent playing time that I lacked in London. I am feeling good here.”
Kiwior has made a positive start in Portugal. Meanwhile, Arsenal acquired Hincapie as a replacement on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Arsenal’s next match is against Tottenham Hotspur after the conclusion of the international break when Premier League matches will resume.
