Arsenal decide on new ‘untouchable’ in Arteta squad as AC Milan come calling – Footymercato.com

Arsenal have issued a hands-off warning to a pair of Serie A sides who have shown interest in signing Poland central defender Jakub Kiwior, according to reports in Italy.

The 23-year-old only joined Mikel Arteta ’s team from Spezia in January in a deal worth £21million. But that has not stopped AC Milan and Roma from making an enquiry to see if Kiwior would be available in the upcoming January transfer window, as first reported by Calcio Mercato.

Kiwior has only featured sporadically since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, making two starts this season, and is viewed in the short-term as a back-up option to Gabriel and William Saliba. Yet hopes remain high that he can eventually become a first-choice option and Arsenal deem him untouchable, according to the reports in Italy.

That is in part because Jurrien TImber, a summer signing from Ajax, is out for the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and Ben White is being preferred at right back rather than in the centre of defence. Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu can also play at centre back but started last weekend’s win over Burnley on the right.

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Arsenal may be more likely to listen to offers for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and injury-prone forward Emile Smith Rowe. Ramsdale has become frustrated after losing his starting spot to David Raya and his father’s latest media comments are unlikely to help.

‌Nick Ramsdale, in an interview with The Highbury Corner podcast, said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding on to that ball at this moment in time and it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying ‘you need to keep smiling’.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have made bolstering their midfield their top priority this winter and Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz heads their wishlist.

Villa, who are pushing for a top four finish and a deep Europa League run, are unlikely to entertain offers for Douglas Luiz. Arsenal previously tried to sign the Brazilian in 2022 but were rebuffed by Villa, who then tied him down to a new and improved contract.

Thomas Partey is expected to miss the rest of 2023 because of a thigh injury. His future at the club is in doubt and, regardless, he could be missing for a month while at the African Cup of Nations with Ghana.

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