Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has revealed the challenging conversations he had with manager Mikel Arteta before securing his loan move to Porto, while positive news emerges regarding Bukayo Saka's contract situation at the Emirates Stadium.
Kiwior's candid Arteta admission
Polish international Jakub Kiwior has spoken openly about the difficult discussions he initiated with Mikel Arteta concerning his future at Arsenal. The 25-year-old defender, who joined Porto on a season-long loan with an option to buy during the transfer window, felt compelled to request the move after growing frustrated with his limited first-team opportunities.
Kiwior described his face-to-face meeting with Arteta as particularly challenging, marking the first time he had ever asked to leave a club. "The earlier conversation, when I asked for the loan, was more difficult," Kiwior told Łączy Nas Piłka. "I'd never done this before, but I felt the time had come to speak with him face-to-face."
Despite initially wanting Kiwior to remain and fight for his position, Arteta ultimately understood the player's perspective and supported his decision. The final conversation between the two was more amicable, with the Arsenal manager acknowledging Porto's stature and wishing the defender success in Portugal.
Porto move brings regular football
Kiwior firmly believes his transition to Porto does not represent a step backwards in his career development. While acknowledging the perceived difference in league quality between the Premier League and Portugal's top flight, he emphasised the importance of consistent playing time.
"At Porto, I have what I lacked in London: regular playing time," Kiwior stated. "I feel great here. I have people I trust around me. In the case of Porto, there wasn't much to analyse. Anyone interested in football knows how big a club it is."
The defender's comments highlight the balancing act many players face between club prestige and personal development, with first-team football often proving the decisive factor for ambitious professionals.
Saka's long-term Arsenal commitment
In more encouraging news for Gunners supporters, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Arsenal and Bukayo Saka are aligned regarding the forward's long-term future at the club. Contract discussions are ongoing between the England international's representatives and club officials.
Saka's current deal expires in summer 2027, but both parties are working towards a new long-term agreement that would likely see the 24-year-old earn in excess of £300,000 per week. This would make him one of the highest-paid players in Arsenal's history.
Romano suggested for GiveMeSport that there's a genuine possibility Saka could spend the remainder of his club career with Arsenal, stating: "We can't predict the future, but that is the intention. Saka and Arsenal are very happy together, also for the long-term."
Arteta's mixed international break reflections
As the final international break of 2025 continues, Mikel Arteta will contemplate a generally positive start to the campaign for his Arsenal side. The Gunners maintain a four-point lead at the Premier League summit, though recent results have provided some cause for concern.
Last weekend's 2-2 draw at Sunderland proved frustrating, while Manchester City's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Liverpool narrowed the gap at the top. Nevertheless, most Arsenal supporters would have gladly accepted such a position at this stage of the season when the campaign began.
The primary worry for Arteta remains injuries, with several key players currently sidelined or recovering from long-term absences. The Spanish manager will hope his international contingent returns fit, particularly with the crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur looming.
As Arsenal prepare for the season's resumption, the combination of Saka's potential contract extension and Kiwior's honest assessment of his departure provides contrasting narratives about player satisfaction and career management at the highest level of football.
