Exclusive: Arsenal looking at four different defenders to replace Jakub Kiwior

Today at 04:45 AM

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

After Arsenal welcomed Riccardo Calafiori to the club this summer, Jakub Kiwior perhaps realised that his time was soon to be up in north London.

Along with the Italian, Arsenal also recovered Jurrien Timber from injury, meaning Kiwior effectively took two steps back in the pecking order.

Calafiori is now Mikel Arteta's go-to replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes, and the 22-year-old may also transpire to be the Gunners' starting left-back, depending on where Timber settles.

All in all, there's no spot for Kiwior, who found himself playing as Arsenal's right-sided centre-back in the EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers – the kind of opportunities he'll be limited too.

That being said, TBR Football understands that Arsenal are doing their homework on four potential Kiwior replacements.

Arsenal considering Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Reis to replace Jakub Kiwior

Kiwior is expected to leave Arsenal in 2025, and could possibly even be on the move in January.

The Poland international was keen to leave in the summer and despite interest from the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan and Bologna, a deal was not finalised.

READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi has decided which club he wants to join next after Arsenal and Liverpool talks

Kieran Tierney, once fully fit, will also be allowed to leave N5, a full-back who Arteta has already deemed surplus to his plans in the past.

Whilst it remains to be seen if Oleksandr Zinchenko has a long-term future at the club.

That being said, Arsenal will require cover in defence and the club are doing their homework on four potential options.

Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera, Nantes' Nathan Zeze, Girona's Miguel Gutierrez and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras are all being watched closely by Arsenal's scouts this season.

Mikel Arteta targeting another Spaniard in Miguel Gutierrez

Of all the options listed, perhaps 23-year-old Girona left-back Gutierrez might be the most appealing, at least in terms of improving Arsenal's squad immediately.

Gutierrez already has five caps for Spain after leaving Real Madrid for a new challenge two years ago.

Arteta's squad would benefit from the addition of a traditional left-back, a profile that doesn’t exist at the Emirates.

Of course, 18-year-old Vitor Reis would also cause a lot of excitement in north London should he arrive.

The centre-back has captained several of Brazil's youth sides during his recent rise, a defender who appears to have world-class potential.

It's hard to argue with Arsenal's plans to pivot from Kiwior, and in truth, all four names on their shortlist appear appealing.