‘Sensational talent’ to leave Arsenal permanently following Mikel Arteta’s decision

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already made a decision on the long-term future of the promising player ahead of 2026, and the Spaniard has no place in his long-term plans for the north Londoners.

Arsenal prepare for impending return to the Premier League against Fulham

The Gunners entered the international break in near-perfect form.

Arteta’s side have won every game in all competitions since the last international break, apart from a 1-1 draw with Man City, including a dramatic win against Newcastle, where they showed Liverpool’s typical ability to snatch three points in the closing stages despite Arsenal not playing at their best.

The Arsenal manager will be quietly thrilled by his side’s reaction to their first and only defeat of the season at Anfield, which continues their impressive unbeaten run since the Gunners’ rise to the top of the Premier League.

The only bad news for Arteta recently has been club captain Martin Odegaard’s knee injury, with the Norwegian international expected to not return until after the November international break.

Odegaard joins Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on Arsenal’s long-term injured list, but fortunately for Arteta, summer signing Piero Hincapie will be available for this weekend’s game against Fulham.

Hincapie has been plagued by a groin problem since joining on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy for £45m, and the Ecuadorian international has only played one minute so far for Arteta and is still awaiting his Premier League debut.

The 23-year-old joined as a direct replacement for Jakub Kivioglu, who moved on loan to FC Porto in the summer window.

In contrast to Hincapie, Kivior got off to a great start during his temporary stay in Portugal. He has started every league match since his move to the Primeira Liga, helping Francesco Faglioli’s side maintain an unbeaten record in the domestic and Europa Leagues.

The 25-year-old has also quickly found a foothold overseas, with Porto conceding just two goals in all competitions so far.

Jakub Kivioglu permanently leaves Arsenal following Mikel Arteta’s decision

Kiwior’s loan includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent for around £15 million plus additional fees if certain conditions are met, and the Poland international appears to be well on his way to meeting those conditions to secure an indefinite exit from Arsenal.

This is no different, as Arteta has already decided there is no place for the former Spezia player in his long-term plans.

This follows reports from Spain that even if Kivior does not meet his obligations at Porto, Arsenal are set to sell the defender next summer, with a £21.5 million price tag in case he becomes available again.

As things stand, it is believed that the most likely scenario is for Kivior to make a permanent move to Porto, with them hoping to secure his future in April or May after his early form under Farioli.

Dubbed a “sensational talent” by members of the media, it was always going to be difficult for Kivior to establish himself as Arsenal’s main starter over Gabriel and William Saliba, who have established themselves as two of the top five centre-backs in world football.

However, his ability was never diminished under Arteta.