Before the January transfer window, very few of an Arsenal persuasion would've heard of the name Jakub Kiwior, but fast forward a few months and he could be the signing that got the Premier League title challenge on track. A signing for the future from Spezia in Serie A, the youngster has had to adjust to life in England quickly.
Injury to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu had left Mikel Arteta scratching his head over his options at centre-back, eventually choosing Rob Holding. However, a poor run of form led to the Spaniard making changes, calling upon Kiwior in the clash against Chelsea.
With it, the side were more compact in their ability to press and their control when on the ball had improved as the youngster helped those around him. "He looked ready, he looked fresh, he looked really determined," Arteta said on the decision to make a switch at that moment.
READ MORE: Everton and Sean Dyche reignite Arsenal title hopes as Man City handed new problem
A stern test away to Newcastle then followed, but the Polish international stood up to the test of an in-form Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. It remains to be seen the heights the defender can hit, but Arteta has already outlined the high potential of Kiwior for the future.
He told the press after victory against Chelsea: "He’s been getting better and better every single day, not only in training but his interaction and his language. He’s more settled and he’s a player that I really like, that’s why I signed him. He has the potential at his age to be great and he had a big task against the players he had to face today, and I think he did really well.”
It remains to be seen whether Kiwior will get his hands on the title this season, but his promise suggests he could do exactly that at some point in his Arsenal career.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal line-ups vs Newcastle as Gabriel starts, Saka replaced as Tierney and Martinelli return
Pep Guardiola given major Manchester City injury worry amid Arsenal Premier League title battle
Edu given fresh £71m Arsenal transfer chance as Chelsea and Newcastle plot summer hijack
Arsenal 2023/24 away kit leaked as striking Adidas design revealed
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
