Barcelona have opened talks to sign Jakub Kiwior less than three weeks after he left Arsenal. The 26-year-old defender saw his season-long loan move to Porto made permanent on May 6, shortly after the Portuguese giants won the league title.
Kiwior's Arsenal Departure and Porto Success
Kiwior spent three-and-a-half years at Arsenal but struggled to secure a regular starting spot. Following the arrival of Piero Hincapie last summer, he was loaned out to Porto, where he rediscovered his form. Under Francesco Farioli, Kiwior helped Porto win their first Primeira Liga title since 2022, playing a key role in a defence that conceded just 18 league goals.
Despite Porto fulfilling their obligation to buy the Poland international for £14.6 million, he could be on the move again. Polish outlet Meczyki reports that Barcelona's interest is serious, with the La Liga champions holding talks with Porto over a potential deal.
Sell-On Clause Benefits Arsenal
Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken to Porto president Andre Villas-Boas regarding the former Arsenal star. When selling Kiwior, Arsenal inserted a sell-on clause worth €2 million (£1.7 million), meaning the Gunners would receive a financial windfall if the defender leaves Porto.
Barcelona were reportedly impressed by Kiwior's performances in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final wins over Real Madrid last season. However, the 26-year-old is not their only option. Deco has drawn up a shortlist of left-footed centre-backs, including out-of-contract Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi, Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, and Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni. While Schlotterbeck and Bastoni have more pedigree, they would likely cost significantly more than Kiwior. Senesi, meanwhile, is available on a free transfer.
Kiwior's Versatility and Future
A bonus Kiwior can offer is his ability to play at left-back or in midfield. His versatility was part of the reason Mikel Arteta brought him to Arsenal from Italian side Spezia in January 2023. However, after two full seasons behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order, Kiwior decided he wanted to leave on loan.
"When I asked for the loan, (the conversation) was more difficult," Kiwior 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."
Arsenal fans will be watching closely as Barcelona's pursuit of Kiwior could provide a welcome boost to Arteta's transfer budget this summer.
