Arsenal have now told two senior players that they are surplus to Mikel Arteta’s requirements going forward, but do want Jakub Kiwior to stay.
It’s a little too extreme to suggest that Edu will be overseeing a squad overhaul at the Emirates this summer, but Arsenal are expected to be busy.
Several players will arrive and depart, as Arteta attempts to bridge the gap to Manchester City, which was so minimal last season.
But with TBR recently sharing that Pep Guardiola has asked City chiefs to sign Joshua Kimmich this summer, Arsenal certainly can’t stand still.
And as part of their plans, TBR Football understands that Arsenal have now told both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney that they are free to leave.
Of Arsenal’s defenders, Kiwior is the one who’s been most often linked with a month away this month.
But TBR understands that Arsenal are reluctant to let the Poland international leave, despite interest from the Serie A.
AC Milan are eager to sign Kiwior, and TBR understands that the defender would like the chance to move back to Italy.
Arsenal are aware that Jakub Kiwior would be keen to return to the Serie A
Arsenal are aware of Kiwior’s stance, but as it stands they are more inclined to allow both Zinchenko and Tierney to leave.
TBR has been told that both have been made aware that they are surplus to Arteta’s requirements going forward.
Club sources have not ruled out a departure for all three, but it would appear an unlikely scenario at this stage.
Perhaps it’s not a surprise that Arsenal would be prepared to sell Tierney, who’s profile simply doesn’t quite fit Arteta’s plans moving forward.
But Zinchenko has been instrumental in changing Arsenal’s style, a defender who remains one of the best inverted options in Europe.
But the Ukrainian simply isn’t complete enough to cope with Arsenal’s demands right now, explaining why Takehiro Tomiyasu ended the season at left-back.
Similarly, Arsenal’s preference to keep Kiwior makes sense, given he offers strong backup at both centre-back and on the left.
Kiwior is sometimes criticised for his limited technical skills when going forward down the left, but it should be remembered that he’s predominantly a centre-back, Gabriel Magalhaes’ deputy.
