Jakub Kiwior, who joined Arsenal just a year ago, may be departing from the club as it has been revealed that Mikel Arteta is open to allowing him to move to AC Milan.

The Polish defender, acquired from Spezia for £21 million in January, faced tough competition from clubs like Milan during the transfer.

However, with primary center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes forming a strong partnership, the 23-year-old has struggled to secure playing time and has often been deployed as a left-back.

Despite Arsenal facing injuries to other defenders, including Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, there are now indications that Poland international Jakub Kiwior is being associated with a potential return to Italy in the upcoming month.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan, who have expressed interest in Kiwior in the past, consider him a ‘priority’ as they prepare for the January transfer window, which opens for Serie A clubs on January 2.

According to the report, Arsenal manager Arteta is willing to support Jakub Kiwior’s desire to join AC Milan, and there won’t be any hindrance from the club’s side.

Milan is inclined towards a permanent transfer for the Polish player, but they are also open to the possibility of a temporary loan arrangement with an obligation to buy.

Kiwior, who was substituted after 64 minutes in Arsenal’s thrilling 4-3 victory at Luton on Tuesday, has participated in a total of 19 matches since joining the Gunners.

Despite his limited playing time, Arteta holds optimistic expectations for him, but the lack of consistent game minutes has sparked discussions about a potential departure.

“He is a player that I really like, that’s why I signed him,” the Arsenal manager explained after Kiwior’s first goal for the club in May. “He has the potential, at his age, to be great.”

A potential silver lining for Jakub Kiwior’s Arsenal tenure might arise from Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury, as the Japanese player is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Moreover, his absence could be prolonged due to Japan’s participation in the Asia Cup, which commences on January 12.

Tomiyasu has been a frequent competitor for playing time with Kiwior, especially in the left-back position when Oleksandr Zinchenko isn’t in the starting lineup.

Kiwior, who arrived from Spezia, has faced challenges in securing consistent 90-minute appearances this season, managing to do so only once.

With AC Milan experiencing an injury crisis in the center-back position, a move to San Siro could offer an ideal opportunity for Kiwior to continue his development.