Arsenal have reiterated their intent to retain Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, as the club navigates potential squad changes in the upcoming January window.

Arsenal have dismissed the possibility of loaning out Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior in the forthcoming January transfer window, despite growing interest from AC Milan.

Reports have linked the Serie A giants to the 23-year-old Gunners defender, who has had limited playing time since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in January of this year.

AC Milan, on the lookout for fresh talent, have been eager to secure Kiwior, who has found himself playing a bit-part role under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta values Kiwior as a key backup to mainstay Gabriel Magalhaes and believes it is prudent to retain him in the squad.

Recent contacts between Arsenal and AC Milan indicate that the Italian club’s interest is exploratory, with Arsenal not endorsing the possibility of a transfer.

This resolve was demonstrated over the summer when Arteta personally vetoed a loan move to Sevilla, affirming his plans for Kiwior within the squad.

Polish journalist Mateusz Borek, speaking on Power of Futbolu, confirmed Arteta‘s decision to keep Kiwior despite Sevilla’s keen interest.

“Sevilla really wanted to loan Kiwior to join them in the last transfer window. The club was supposed to fight until the end, but it was not enough to convince the Arsenal coach,” Borek reported.

Arteta‘s previous comments on Kiwior underscore this sentiment: “He is a player that I really like, that’s why I signed him. He has the potential, at his age, to be great.”