Andrea Berta just rejected a bid for Arsenal star who Mikel Arteta called ‘exceptional’

Add as preferred source on Google

Following several arrivals under new sporting director Andrea Berta, there will now be a lot of emphasis on the players who leave Arsenal before the end of August.

In an ideal world, Mikel Arteta would still like to welcome a left winger to the Emirates, and Arsenal are interested in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Eze isn’t an out-and-out winger, he’s predominantly played as a number 10 for Palace, but he could still be the attacking maverick who’s been missing in north London.

That being said, Arteta’s squad is looking a bit bloated right now, and TBR Football recently shared that Arsenal were ready to sell several players before the end of next month.

And one of the players who could still leave is Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, a 25-year-old who was so crucial towards the end of last season.

Arsenal just rejected a bid from Portugal for Jakub Kiwior

Whilst Gabriel Magalhaes was out injured, Kiwior played a vital role at left centre-back, starring against the likes of Real Madrid.

However, TBR Football has long shared that Kiwior is keen to leave Arsenal.

And now sharing an update on his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have actually just rejected a bid from Portugal for Kiwior.

READ MORE: Arsenal coaches all started saying the same thing about Viktor Gyokeres after watching him train

He explained: “In terms of centre-backs, Mosquera joined and we know that — it’s a very good signing, very good talent.

“Saliba and Gabriel are obviously staying at the club… Jakub Kiwior, what happens with Kiwior?

“Keep an eye on Kiwior because in July I can reveal to you that a bid from Portugal was turned down by Arsenal.

“So Arsenal rejected a bid, Arteta would love to keep the player — Arteta loves Kiwior, his mentality, his approach, he’s always ready when needed.

“But at the same time, let’s see what happens this month with the player, because if Kiwior asks to go, this situation could change.

“Arsenal would love to keep him, Arteta would love to keep him, let’s see what happens if the player decides to change

“In that case, Arsenal could bring in another defender, probably left-footed, to help as a centre-back and a left-back when needed.

“Also the Zinchenko situation is one to watch.”

Mikel Arteta has been very clear about Jakub Kiwior’s importance at Arsenal

In total last season, Kiwior made 30 appearances for Arsenal, perhaps explaining why Arteta would prefer to keep him at the club.

Kiwior has proven time after time that he is an excellent substitute for Gabriel, but with little prospect of ever replacing the Brazilian, that might not be a role that satisfies the former Spezia defender long-term.

Explaining his admiration for Kiwior back in May, Arteta said: “Well, again, he deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months.

“And suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it.

“I think he’s been exceptional.”

Of course, Arsenal were interested in Jorrel Hato from Ajax as a potential Kiwior replacement, however, it seems as if the young Dutch star is en route to Chelsea.