The January arrival of Jakub Kiwior was something of a surprise. All the focus on transfers was on forwards and midfielders, which Mikel Arteta and Edu delivered with the signings of Leandro Trossard and Jorginho.
Kiwior was essentially a bonus but still, the Polish international provided left-footed cover at centre-half for Gabriel Magalhaes. A role that was previously unoccupied and instead relied on the predominantly right-footed Rob Holding, William Saliba or Takehiro Tomiyasu providing cover.
Arteta has typically enjoyed having access to a left-footed centre-half operating on the left and unsurprisingly made his first-ever Arsenal signing this very player in the form of Pablo Mari. Gabriel came in the following summer and has been an integral part of the Gunners’ starting XI ever since.
