Arsenal completed the permanent sale of Jakub Kiwior to Porto earlier this month, but Barcelona are already exploring a deal to sign the former Gunners defender
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's transfer kitty is in line for a boost(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Barcelona have opened talks to sign Jakub Kiwior less than three weeks after he left Arsenal. Kiwior, 26, saw his season-long loan move to Porto made permanent on May 6, shortly after the Portuguese giants won the league title.
The defender had spent three-and-half years as an Arsenal player, although he was unable to nail down a starting place and was loaned out following the arrival of Piero Hincapie last summer. Kiwior has rediscovered his mojo in Portugal, helping Francesco Farioli's side win their first Primeira Liga title since 2022 as part of a watertight defence that conceded just 18 goals in the league.
Despite Porto fulfilling their obligation to buy the Poland international for £14.6million, he could be playing for Barcelona next season. Polish outlet Meczyki report that Barca's interest in Kiwior is serious, adding that the La Liga champions have held talks with Porto over a deal.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken to Porto president Andre Villas-Boas regarding the ex-Arsenal star, who'd bank his former club a handy windfall if he leaves. When selling Kiwior, Arsenal inserted a sell-on clause worth €2m (£1.7m).
Barcelona were reportedly impressed by Kiwior's two performances when Arsenal beat Real Madrid in last season's Champions League quarter-finals. But the 26-year-old isn't Barca's only option.
Deco has drawn up a shortlist of centre-backs, all of whom are left-footed. Kiwior is joined by out-of-contract Bournemouth star Marcos Sensi, Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck and Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.
While Schlotterbeck and Bastoni boast the most pedigree having played in the Champions League for multiple seasons, they'd likely cost much more than Kiwior. Senesi, meanwhile, is available on a free transfer.
PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 16: Jakub Kiwior of FC Porto during the Primeira Liga match between FC Porto and CD Santa Clara at Estadio do Dragao on May 16, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Jakub Kiwior joined Porto permanently less than three weeks ago(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
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A bonus which Kiwior can offer is his ability to play at left-back or in midfield. His versatility was part of the reason why Mikel Arteta brought him to Arsenal from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.
But after two full seasons behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order, Kiwior decided that he wanted to leave on loan. "When I asked for the loan, (the conversation) was more difficult," the Pole explained to Laczy Nas Pilka.
"I'd never done this before [asked to leave], but I felt the time had come to speak with him face-to-face. He understood me and supported me."
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