Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is negotiating a move to Portuguese champions FC Porto after being excluded from the squad for Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.
Kiwior Set for Arsenal Exit with Porto Deal in the Works
The Poland international, who joined the Gunners for £20 million in January 2023, is now poised to exit North London as Arsenal streamline their defensive options.
Porto rekindled their interest in Kiwior despite earlier reports that talks had stalled over Arsenal’s £26 million valuation.
The Portuguese club instead signed Southampton’s Jan Bednarek for £6.5 million but remains determined to secure Kiwior.
According to Polish outlet Meczyki, discussions are progressing with hopes of finalizing an agreement next week. Porto’s latest proposal involves a €7 million (£6 million) loan with a mandatory €20 million (£17 million) purchase clause.
Kiwior’s preference is a move outside the Premier League, clearing a path for Porto amid competition from Crystal Palace.
Arsenal’s defensive depth—featuring William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and new standout Riccardo Calafiori—limits Kiwior’s opportunities despite Arteta praising his “exceptional” contributions during Gabriel’s injury absence last season.
The 25-year-old’s exclusion against United signals Arsenal’s readiness to sanction his departure. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira were also omitted, with Vieira linked to Stuttgart.
Arteta emphasized the need for squad balance after securing three points at Old Trafford through Calafiori’s debut goal.
Porto aims to complete the transfer before the summer window closes, offering Kiwior regular playing time in Portugal’s top flight and European competitions.
