FC Porto Set to Sign Jakub Kiwior as Arsenal Line Up Hincapié Replacement

FC Porto are close to finalizing the signing of Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal. The Polish defender is set to join the Portuguese club on an initial loan. This loan includes an obligation to buy for a fee around €26 million, as confirmed by reports outlining the structure of the deal from credible sources.

KIWIOR TRANSFER NEARS COMPLETION

Kiwior, 25, is preparing to leave Arsenal and move to Porto. This comes after both clubs reached a verbal agreement this week. The deal is almost sealed, only pending final documentation and Kiwior’s medical in Portugal. The contract includes a loan for the 2025-26 season, with a permanent transfer to be triggered next summer for a total package of about €26 million. Sources say Kiwior has already agreed to personal terms with Porto prior to his travel to complete the formalities.

WHY ARSENAL ARE SELLING NOW

Arsenal have chosen to part ways with Kiwior after two and a half seasons in North London. Though he showed his versatility as both a centre-back and left-back, Kiwior was mostly used as a squad player. He made just over 50 appearances and scored three goals with five assists. Arsenal are currently making a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié as Kiwior’s direct replacement, as reported by several outlets. This clears the way for the Pole’s exit.

After finishing second in the 2024-25 Premier League with 74 points and reaching the Champions League semifinals, Arsenal are restructuring their defence for the new campaign.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PORTO AND THE SEASON AHEAD

FC Porto are strengthening their backline after finishing third in the Primeira Liga last season, missing out on the to Sporting CP. They have started the 2025-26 campaign with three wins, and currently stand in second place, level on points with Moreirense, Sporting CP and Benfica. Kiwior’s arrival is intended to add leadership and quality to a Porto defence that conceded 29 league goals last term, as the club aims to improve upon their previous season’s performance.

Porto’s next match is against Sporting CP, the current champions, who sit top of the table after the opening rounds. The club hopes Kiwior can make an immediate impact as they push to reclaim the Portuguese championship and perform strongly in Europe. Meanwhile, Arsenal have their league match against Liverpool, the current champions as both teams are level on points at the top of the table, along with Tottenham.