Fulham FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a top target for Napoli (Picture: Getty)
Napoli have failed with an opening offer of £12.5million for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior.
Kiwior has made 50 appearances in all competitions since joining Arsenal from Serie B outfit Spezia Calcio in January 2023.
In that time, the 24-year-old has proven an able understudy to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence, while also providing strong cover at full-back.
But Kiwior has made just two starts in the Premier League this season and it’s believed the Poland international has grown increasingly frustrated with his bit-part role in north London.
There has been mounting speculation that Kiwior could be set for a return to Italy and recent reports indicated Arsenal could be open to the idea of the versatile Pole leaving on loan this winter.
Juventus and Inter Milan have both been credited with an interest in recent months but Napoli are emerging as the frontrunners to wrap up a deal for Kiwior when the January transfer window opens for business.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, Napoli have made their first serious steps to prise Kiwior away from the Emirates, lodging an initial €15m (£12.5m) bid for the out-of-favour Arsenal man.
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
The Poland defender has made just two league starts this season (Picture: Getty)
However, it’s claimed Arsenal are not even entertaining this proposal and will be demanding a fee upwards of €25m (£20m) for Kiwior to depart on a permanent basis next month.
The report adds that Napoli face an ‘uphill’ struggle in convincing the Premier League giants to part with Kiwior unless they significantly increase their offer.
Kiwior’s current contract with the Gunners runs through to the summer of 2028.
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
The Gunners are demanding a fee upwards of £20m for Kiwior (Picture: Getty)
Kiwior was rumoured to be on his way out of Arsenal last January but his agent put an end to this speculation, insisting his client remained committed to the club.
‘Kuba is an Arsenal player,’ Pawel Zimonczyk told Polish outlet Kanal Sportowy at the time.
‘There are no signs that they want to get rid of him and I don’t think anything will happen in the winter window.’
Kiwior did admit, though, that it was flattering to be linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
‘It’s definitely nice and I’m glad there’s interest in me,’ he told Super Express.
‘But I focus on what is now. Besides, there have been no talks with me yet.’
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