Jakub Kiwior
Image credit: Getty Images
Portuguese giants Porto have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in a deal worth €25 million, potentially rising to €27 million, according toThe Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who joined the Gunners from Spezia in January 2023 for around €20 million, has struggled to secure a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. Despite making 68 appearances for the club, including 30 last season, Kiwior has largely been used as backup to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
With Arsenal strengthening their defence this summer through the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, Kiwior’s departure has long been anticipated. The deal with Porto is structured as an initial loan with an obligation to buy, and personal terms have already been agreed. Reports suggest Kiwior is enthusiastic about the move and keen to relaunch his career in Portugal.
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However, the transfer remains dependent on Arsenal completing their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie before the September 1 deadline. The Gunners are in advanced talks with the Bundesliga champions, hoping to negotiate a fee below the defender’s €60 million release clause, possibly in the form of a loan with an obligation to buy.
Jakub, what a man. Your performances won’t be forgotten. Go & smash it. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Sq8LNQ2M2P
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 29, 2025
Hincapie is said to prefer a switch to the Emirates over rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur, making Arsenal strong favourites to secure his signature. Arteta views the Ecuador international as a key reinforcement for the left side of defence, particularly following Gabriel’s season-ending hamstring injury in April and fitness concerns surrounding Calafiori.
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For Porto, Kiwior’s arrival would mark their ninth signing of the summer and the fourth defensive reinforcement, following the departures of Joao Mario to Juventus and Otávio to Paris FC. His ability to operate both as a centre-back and left-back offers valuable flexibility as the Portuguese club targets success in the Primeira Liga and European competition.
Arsenal’s summer has already been one of the busiest in Europe, with more than £260 million spent on high-profile additions including Viktor Gyokeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze. With that level of investment, the Gunners are under pressure to offload players to balance the books. Alongside Jakub Kiwior, the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fábio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson are also tipped for possible exits before the window closes.
The next 48 hours are expected to be crucial as Arsenal look to finalise a deal for Hincapie. If successful, Kiwior’s move to Porto will be confirmed, bringing an end to his two-year spell in north London.
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