FC Porto Close In on Jakub Kiwior Transfer from Arsenal

FC Porto looks set to sign Jakub Kiwior after making a big offer worth over €25 million to Arsenal. The 25-year-old has agreed on personal terms with Porto and might soon be finalizing the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Porto‘s offer for Kiwior includes an initial loan with a commitment to buy. The deal, with add-ons, exceeds €25 million. Negotiations are progressing well, and Kiwior might travel to Porto to complete the transfer. He has seen limited game time at Arsenal this season, due to increased competition in defense. Last year, Kiwior played 30 games for Arsenal but was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester United and hasn’t featured in Mikel Arteta’s side this term, especially after the arrivals of new players like Cristhian Mosquera, and the good form of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Moreover, Kiwior is said to want more regular playing time and is ready to leave London for new opportunities amid interest from several top Serie A sides.

WHY PORTO WANT KIWIOR

Porto are keen to strengthen their back line as they aim for success under new coach Francesco Farioli. They failed to be competitive last season, and want to improve the squad for the upcoming season, and are preparing for the Champions League group stage. Kiwior’s experience in Champions League and international competitions makes him a valuable addition as Porto look to improve upon their third-place finish last season. He is expected to form a defensive partnership with Jan Bednarek, another new signing, as Porto strive for both domestic and European success.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND PORTO?

Arsenal, joint-top of the Premier League with Liverpool and Tottenham after starting the season with a commanding 5-0 win over Leeds after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford 1-0 on the opening day, are likely to reinvest the transfer fee. They may pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié as Kiwior’s replacement. Porto, who sit at the top with three games along with Moreirense, Sporting and Benfica, could create a gap to Sporting if they beat them in the next match of the league. If Kiwior joins in time, he could debut as soon as next weekend, with Porto keen to solidify their defense before crucial fixtures following their significant victory against Leeds.