Mikel Arteta's defensive plans for the crucial second half of the season could be thrown into disarray, as Portuguese giants FC Porto are preparing a substantial January move for Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior.
The Polish international, who joined the Gunners from Spezia for £20 million in January 2023, has reportedly attracted serious interest from Porto. The Primeira Liga side are ready to test Arsenal's resolve with a bid in the region of £23 million for the 23-year-old defender.
Arteta's Defensive Conundrum
While Kiwior has not always been a guaranteed starter, his versatility has made him a valuable squad asset for Arteta. Capable of playing both as a central defender and a left-back, he has provided crucial cover across the back line. His potential departure would leave a noticeable gap, especially with the demanding schedule of a Premier League title race and Champions League knockout stages looming.
This situation presents a significant dilemma for the Arsenal boss. Selling Kiwior would represent a small profit on their initial investment, but it would force the club to urgently re-enter the transfer market to find a suitable replacement mid-season—a notoriously difficult and expensive task.
Porto's Determined Pursuit
FC Porto's interest appears far from casual. The club sees Kiwior as an ideal candidate to bolster their defence and are prepared to back their interest with a significant financial offer. The prospect of regular first-team football and the opportunity to play in the latter stages of European competition could be a tempting proposition for the Polish star.
All eyes are now on the Emirates Stadium hierarchy. The decision they make will send a clear signal about their ambitions for the rest of the season. Will they cash in on a squad player, or will they prioritise maintaining depth for a sustained push on multiple fronts?
The January transfer window just got a lot more interesting for Arsenal fans.
