Arsenal were 'open' to let £18m man leave as new signing tipped for intriguing tactical role

With the summer transfer window now in the books, our attention shifts towards the 2024/25 Premier League season. Arsenal have got the campaign off to a decent start, with two wins and one draw - what is happening in the rumour mill around the Emirates Stadium today?

Arsenal were ‘open’ to the idea of allowing one of their fringe players to leave the club on loan in the summer, but ultimately decided to keep him around within the squad.

Meanwhile, one of Arsenal’s new signings in the summer could take on a role that is unfamiliar to him on his debut for the Gunners. Nevertheless, he is willing to take on the challenge.

Arsenal were ‘open’ to letting Jakub Kiwior leave on loan in the summer transfer window

Jakub Kiwior could have left Arsenal on loan in the summer, according to a report from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb. The Gunners were ‘willing’ to ship the Polish international out, but ultimately decided against this.

He had some potential suitors - one of which were Crystal Palace. He also attracted attention from clubs in Serie A, including Bologna (Riccardo Calafiori’s old club) and Inter Milan. While some of these clubs put forth an offer for Kiwior’s services, none of them met Arsenal’s valuation of the player.

There are now plenty of players ahead of Kiwior in the pecking order at left back. Mikel Arteta seems to prefer Oleksandr Zinchenko, Calafiori and Jurrien Timber over the 24 year old - there is a strong chance that he could struggle for game time this season.

Kiwior joined Arsenal in January of 2023 from Spezia - since then, he has made 27 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, scoring two goals along the way. Additionally, he has also picked up 26 caps on the international stage for his native Poland.

Raheem Sterling may occupy false nine role on Arsenal debut

Arsenal shocked the world on transfer deadline day, when they pulled off an unlikely deal to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea - and the shocks have not finished just yet.

When he makes his debut for Arsenal, he may take on a role that is unfamiliar to him, according to GIVEMESPORT - false nine. While Sterling has played in roles similar to this, it is still uncharted territory for the Liverpool academy graduate.

Despite this, Sterling is ready to take on the challenge and is ‘unfazed’ by the prospect of playing in a new position. It may suit him - while his finishing has often been called into question, Sterling’s movement off the ball has always been second to none.

The role of a false nine is not to necessarily score goals - instead, they exist to create space for their attacking teammates (usually wingers rushing into the box). Not only is Sterling an intelligent footballer, his physical prowess is also understated - two attributes that will help him as a false nine. Predominantly a winger, taking on a different role on the pitch could be a great way for Sterling to reinvent himself.