£20m Arsenal man is first player who Mikel Arteta needs to sell in January - opinion

After another progressive summer for Arsenal in the transfer market there were still a few stones left unturned at the Emirates.

First of all, Mikel Arteta didn’t sign a new striker, Arsenal decided that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were equipped for the task, even considering Eddie Nketiah’s departure.

Right now, that seems like a clever decision, there wasn’t any one striker available who would represent value and improve Arteta’s options.

Some Arsenal fans will still be pining for Victor Osimhen, but perhaps his loan move to Galatasaray ultimately says it all.

That being said, along with players who didn’t arrive in N5, there were also a few on the sell-list that didn’t depart either.

Arsenal can’t keep Jakub Kiwior on the sidelines playing no minutes

Heading into the summer, Arsenal were willing to sell Jakub Kiwior if the right offer arrived, a player who had effectively been replaced by Riccardo Calafiori.

Last season Kiwior made a fair few starts, Arteta often leaned on his left-foot in central and wide positions.

Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal warms up before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August...

Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

But put bluntly, Calafiori is better in all areas, and other than in cup competitions when Arsenal are shuffling their pack, it’s hard to imagine when the Poland international will play.

Therefore, with Jurrien Timber also now fit and ahead of Kiwior, Arsenal need to find a solution for the £20m defender in January, who won’t be enjoying his new role.

Kiwior really struggled for Poland over the break, a player who may have understandably lost confidence.

Kieran Tierney also needs to leave Arsenal as soon as possible

Of course, it’s remarkable to remember that Kieran Tierney also remained at Arsenal over the summer, partly because of a hamstring injury he suffered at the Euros.

Tierney is now back in individual training, and has been named in Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League squads.

It would be a surprise if he played minutes in either competition before he leaves, explaining why he should follow Kiwior out the door.

The Scot was brilliant for Arteta when he first arrived, but the Arsenal manager’s tactical changes effectively rendered the left-back useless.

Of course, that’s not to say that Tierney can’t still star for another top side, where his leadership and defensive qualities will be heralded.