Arsenal’s decision to keep Jakub Kiwior during the January transfer window is looking increasingly wise.

Polish journalist Piotr Koźmiński reveals that 15-20 clubs, including potential suitors from Spain and Italy, expressed interest in taking the defender on loan. However, Arsenal kept faith in his potential, and Kiwior has since flourished into a key player in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu with their respective calf injuries.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Polish journalist Piotr Koźmiński reveals that roughly 15 to 20 clubs, primarily from Spain and Italy, expressed interest in taking Jakub Kiwior on loan during the January transfer window. However, Arsenal blocked the move, believing in the player’s potential.

“As far as I can tell, he had about 15, maybe even 20 loan opportunities, Koźmiński said”. “It was all about Spain or Italy. There were so many inquiries for him. From the very beginning Arsenal didn’t agree to it and we can see now that it worked out for him.”

Arsenal's Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior (L) celebrates with Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior (L) celebrates with Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Kiwior’s limited playing time earlier in the season prompted the interest from other clubs. Since the transfer window closed, he’s thrived at Arsenal.

While Koźmiński doesn’t name the specific clubs interested in January, previous reports suggested AC Milan and Napoli were among them. Arsenal‘s decision to keep Kiwior appears wise given his recent impressive form as he grows into life as a Premier League player.

Kiwior has played a total of 1,883 minutes for Arsenal since arriving last January. 24% of those minutes have come since the start of February.

He has also scored two and assisted three, with one of those goals and all three of the assists coming since the start of last month, too.