Arsenal are in discussions with FC Porto over a possible loan move for Jakub Kiwior, with the Portuguese side pushing for an agreement that could include an option to buy.
The Poland international has attracted interest from both Porto and AC Milan this summer, but it is the former who are currently leading the pursuit.
Negotiations have been ongoing in recent days, with Porto keen to strengthen their defensive options before the close of the transfer window.
Kiwior has found opportunities limited at Arsenal despite finishing last season strongly. He started the club’s final 12 Premier League matches when Gabriel was injured, but the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera has since pushed him further down the pecking order.
The 25-year-old was not included in the squad for the opening game of the new campaign against Wolverhampton on August 9, underlining his uncertain place in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell the defender and remain happy to keep him in the squad.
However, the club’s stance has softened compared to previous windows, and they are prepared to consider offers if they suit both the player and the club.
A loan move would provide Kiwior with regular game time at a high level, while Porto see him as a key target to bolster their back line.
The main sticking point so far has been financial. Reports suggest that Porto would like Arsenal to cover part of Kiwior’s wages during the loan spell, but the Gunners are reluctant to contribute towards his salary.
Both sides remain in talks, and there is optimism that a compromise can be found before the deadline.
Kiwior joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023 for around £20 million and has since provided valuable depth in both central defence and at left-back.
While he has never established himself as a regular starter, his versatility and calmness on the ball have made him a trusted option when called upon.
Should the Polish international push for a move in search of consistent minutes, Arsenal may be open to sanctioning a deal.
Porto’s proposal for a loan with an option, or possibly an obligation, to buy could yet prove decisive.
For now, the defender’s future remains unresolved, but with talks advancing, a decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks as Arsenal balance squad depth with player ambitions.