Arsenal defender admits he may leave the club

Arsenal defender Krystian Bielik has admitted that he may pursue a fresh challenge away from the Gunners, unless he is rewarded with a regular first-team role under manager Unai Emery.

The 21-year-old joined the Gunners under Arsene Wenger four years ago and since then, he has managed just two first-team appearances for the club while spending loan spells at Birmingham City, Walsall and Charlton Athletic.

Bielik is currently with the Poland Under-21 side for the European Championship and speaking to Goal.com, he has acknowledged that he may not entertain another season with the reserve team.

"My future is unknown but there is one thing I can say for sure: I will definitely not go back to Arsenal Under-23 team," he said. "At this stage it wouldn't make sense. If I do not receive the possibility to join the first team permanently, I will have to look for other solutions."

Bielik has been attracting interest from the Bundesliga in the past few weeks and the Gunners may decide to cash in on his signature this summer with his contract expiring in 12 months' time.

Arsenal are looking to strengthen the central defence during the ongoing transfer window and Saint-Etienne's William Saliba has been earmarked as the prime target to bolster the position.