Jakub Kiwior looks like Arsenal’s most plausible defensive departure at the moment, as new links with clubs in Italy continue to emerge.

Arsenal's Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior celebrates at the end of during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 28, 2024. Arsenal wins 3 - 2 against Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior celebrates at the end of during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that with Arsenal pushing to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this summer, it’s likely a player will need to be sold, and Jakub Kiwior looks like a more plausible candidate than Oleksandr Zinchenko as it stands.

Though Kiwior is popular at Arsenal, Ornstein writes that the defender is the one generating more interest at the moment, particularly from Italy.

Porto's Portuguese striker #70 Goncalo Borges (L) fights for the ball with Arsenal's Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Porto’s Goncalo Borges (L) fights for the ball with Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

On that note, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that Inter Milan have made contact with Arsenal over a possible move.

Pedulla claims Inter’s interest would be most likely to progress into a concrete option if there’s an opening for a loan with an option or obligation to buy.

Juventus are also on the lookout for a new defender, given Calafiori’s inclination towards Arsenal, though he’s not currently a priority for the club. Kiwior is also on AC Milan’s shortlist, and Napoli have made enquiries in the past.

Pedulla’s report concludes that Arsenal’s valuation is at least €20m (£16.9m), and a loan with an obligation to buy may be possible.

Arsenal's Polish defender #15 Jakub Kiwior eyes the ball during a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior eyes the ball during a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano had reported that Kiwior could leave Arsenal for a good offer this summer, and that a loan is possible only if it includes a mandatory purchase clause.

Though various Italian clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation, they’re yet to submit any official offers to Arsenal.

Kiwior reportedly remains a player trusted by Mikel Arteta, and the club aren’t desperate to move him on. He has a contract until 2028 with Arsenal.