Antonio Conte makes Arsenal transfer enquiry as Riccardo Calafiori forces Mikel Arteta decision

Jakub Kiwior faces an increasingly uncertain future at Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. Despite previously playing such a key role in Mikel Arteta's side, the 24-year-old defender has struggled to force himself into the starting lineup this season.

He's featured nine times for the Gunners across all competitions, averaging just over half an hour an appearance. Kiwior, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2028, has made just two starts, both coming in the Carabao Cup against Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, who Arsenal signed from Bologna in the summer for £42m, have been preferred at left-back to the Poland international. Kiwior has only recently begun to feature more after he was frozen out at the start of the campaign when a move away from the club fell through.

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He was heavily linked with an exit from North London in the summer, but a return to the Serie A failed to materialise. Now, the switch to the Italian top flight could be back on the cards as Antonio Conte looks for reinforcements to fuel his title charge.

Speaking to Goal.pl, Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that Napoli have enquired about Kiwior, who's been made available to sign on loan. The journalist said: "Napoli has asked about Kiwior's situation at Arsenal, and now Arsenal are open to let him go out on loan.

"Antonio Conte is thinking about whether he is fit enough to play for Napoli, because he doesn't play at Arsenal. But for sure they will ask and try to get him on loan. Right now is the moment for him to come back to Italy, because he has to play. He could definitely find a club here, so he can come back to Italy and become one of the best defenders in Europe again."

When Arsenal signed Kiwior from Spezia for £20m in January 2023, the versatile defender revealed that the Gunners' style of football was a big factor in his decision to join. He said: "When I saw my name on an Arsenal shirt for the first time, I just laughed!

"I was so happy to see my name on the shirt of such a huge club. For me, it’s an incredibly happy moment and the pinnacle to play for such a big club. I’ve always dreamt of playing in the Premier League.

"I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and if I got the chance, then I knew I’d have to make the most of it because it was one of my biggest dreams. For me, it’s the best league. I’m thrilled to be here. It’s huge for me that Arsenal were interested and that I’m able to be here.

"I’m aware that Arsenal are a massive club in a top league, so I didn’t really have to think about much else. I was just ecstatic and really wanted to come. I love passing the ball. I like teams that move the ball and try to create chances that way. So, I’m happy that I’ve come to a team like that."