Jakub Kiwior became Arsenal's second signing in the January transfer window following Leandro Trossard to the Emirates Stadium. The Poland international completed a £21million switch to the Gunners and will add depth in defence for Mikel Arteta heading into the second half of the season.
Concerns had been raised regarding Arsenal's squad depth compared to reigning Premier League champions but Trossard's and Kiwior's arrivals have eased worries amongst supporters. As a young left-footed defender, the 22-year-old fits the ideal profile of an Arteta signing while also providing needed cover for Gabriel Magalhaes.
Chelsea had originally registered an interest in Kiwior but opted to make a move for Benoit Badiashile instead. This allowed the Gunners to agree a deal for an initial £17.5million fee with an additional £3.5million available in add ons for the Polish centre-back.
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Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit has highlighted Kiwior's strengths and what he can offer Arsenal heading into the second half of the season. Speaking to Sporting Post, Petit said: "He can play either midfield or defence.
"He is energetic and has good technique and he is very aggressive on the ball. It’s difficult to get past him and he always wins the ball."
Petit has concerns over Kiwior's ability to play as a defensive midfielder in the Premier League despite having played in that role a number of times for his previous club. The former Arsenal midfielder continued: "But I’m not sure if he can yet play as a holding midfielder in the Premier League because he’s young and still has to improve.
"Trossard is more mature and has more experience whereas Kiwior is young and he will need time. But he is young like the rest of the team which I think is important.
"This team is very humble, Arteta sent a big message to the dressing room with Aubameyang and why everyone needs to be right behind the manager. Why they need to support and understand the rules.
"For me this is very important – when you are a young player coming in, you see how the rules are respected in the dressing room and on the pitch. I think it’s a great time for a young footballer to come into a team like this."
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