FC Porto are reportedly close to signing Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior on loan with an obligation to buy within 72 hours. Kiwior has struggled for game time at Arsenal and seeks a permanent move. Arsenal are looking for at least £26 million for the Polish international but Porto may seek a discount. Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira are also expected to leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes.
FC Porto are reportedly on the verge of signing Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, with the transfer expected to be completed within the next 72 hours. The Polish international has found himself as a backup option at the Emirates Stadium, playing behind first-choice center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Kiwior's situation has become more precarious this season following the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera, who has seemingly jumped ahead of him in the pecking order. This has led Kiwior to seek a permanent move away from the North London club in search of regular playing time.
According to reports, FC Porto have been in discussions with Arsenal regarding Kiwior's transfer since the beginning of the month. The Portuguese club is optimistic about finalizing the deal swiftly, aiming to bolster their defensive options for the ongoing season. Ben Jacobs claims that Porto are pushing for the player.
Arsenal are reportedly seeking a fee of at least £26 million for the 25-year-old defender, who has developed into a reliable central defender during his time with the Gunners. However, Porto are likely to negotiate for a discount on the final price. One potential compromise could involve the inclusion of a sell-on clause in the agreement.
Kiwior joined Arsenal in January 2023 from Spezia for a fee of around £20 million. He has made 37 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring one goal. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, he has struggled to break into the starting lineup consistently due to the strong performances of Saliba and Gabriel.
Porto's interest in Kiwior stems from their desire to add depth and quality to their defensive ranks. The Portuguese giants are looking to compete for the Primeira Liga title and make a strong impression in European competitions this season. Kiwior's versatility and experience would make him a valuable addition to their squad.
The loan deal with an obligation to buy structure would allow Porto to assess Kiwior's suitability to their team before committing to a permanent transfer. It would also give Kiwior the opportunity to prove himself in a new environment and showcase his abilities on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also reportedly open to offers for other players in their squad, including Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira. The Gunners are looking to trim their squad and generate funds to further strengthen their team in other areas.
Reiss Nelson, a product of Arsenal's youth academy, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. He has made sporadic appearances for the first team but has failed to make a significant impact. Fabio Vieira, who joined Arsenal from Porto in the summer of 2022, has also found it difficult to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup. The Portuguese midfielder has shown flashes of his talent but has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency.
The potential departures of Kiwior, Nelson, and Vieira would free up space in Arsenal's squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up and stake their claim for a place in the team. It would also allow Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to bring in new faces who better suit his tactical vision.
As the transfer window nears its end, it remains to be seen whether these deals will be finalized. However, it is clear that Arsenal are looking to reshape their squad and make strategic additions to improve their chances of success this season.
With the clock ticking, both Porto and Arsenal will be eager to conclude the Kiwior deal swiftly, ensuring that both clubs can move forward with their respective plans for the season.