Arsenal have had a good season so far and, should everything go right for them on Wednesday, they could find themselves on the edge of glory.
Arsenal are up against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes, where they will look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.
Mikel Arteta will unleash his big guns for the game and, even with some injuries in their ranks, most of the players have stepped up.
The Arsenal boss spoke about one such player ahead of the game, saying he “deserves a lot of credit” and has been “exceptional”.
Mikel Arteta says Jakub Kiwior has been ‘exceptional’ for Arsenal
The player in question is Jakub Kiwior, who has enjoyed an extended run in the starting XI due to Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury absence.
Kiwior didn’t play a single Premier League game between mid-December and March, but since Gabriel’s injury, he has started Arsenal’s last five league games.
However, the £20million man has featured more prominently in the cup competitions throughout the season, including the Champions League.
Kiwior was especially impressive in both quarter-final legs against Real Madrid, and Arteta was keen to pay homage to the Poland international.
“Well, again, he deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months,” he told the Arsenal media team.
“And suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it.
“I think he’s been exceptional.”
Could Jakub Kiwior leave Arsenal this summer?
Kiwior has received a lot of praise over the past few weeks.
David Raya recently said Kiwior has been unbelievable in training recently, while Arteta said Kiwior is very popular in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, Ian Wright said Kiwior proved him wrong with his efforts against Real Madrid.
However, it looks as though Kiwior has already made his mind up about his future.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Kiwior wants to leave Arsenal this summer regardless of what happens before the end of the season.
It’s understood that Kiwior appreciates his role under Arteta and how he has progressed since joining.
However, Kiwior knows that, unless William Saliba or Gabriel leave, he is not going to be starting in his favoured central role anytime soon.
A return to Serie A could be on the cards, with Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli and Bologna are all keen.
