Jakub Kiwior Seals Move to FC Porto from Arsenal on loan

Porto have secured the signature of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in a deal worth up to €27 million.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who has struggled for regular game time at the Emirates, will join the Portuguese giants on an initial loan with a €2 million fee, including an obligation to buy for €17 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, potentially pushing the total package to €27 million.

Kiwior is set to travel to Portugal within the next 24 hours for his medical and to finalize the transfer.

The transfer marks a significant step for Porto, who have been eager to bolster their defense under manager Francesco Farioli.

Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Serie A’s Spezia in January 2023 for €20 million, made 68 appearances for the Gunners, scoring three goals and providing six assists.

His versatility as a centre-back and left-back proved valuable, particularly last season when he stepped in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, starting nine consecutive Premier League matches and playing a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final run, including a standout performance against Real Madrid.

Despite his contributions, Kiwior remained a squad player under Mikel Arteta, with William Saliba, Gabriel, and new signing Cristhian Mosquera ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Poland international, with 45 caps and two goals for his country, expressed a desire for regular first-team football, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Porto emerged as his preferred destination, with Kiwior reportedly rejecting offers from 14 other clubs, including AC Milan and Crystal Palace, to join the Primeira Liga side.

His familiarity with fellow Polish international Jan Bednarek, already at Porto, and the opportunity to play under Farioli’s dynamic system were key factors in his decision.

Porto’s pursuit of Kiwior intensified after losing right-back Joao Mario to Juventus and centre-back Otavio to Paris FC, making him their ninth signing of the summer and fourth defensive addition.

The club’s proposal, initially rejected by Arsenal in July, evolved into a loan with an obligation to buy, aligning with Arsenal’s need to balance their books after a summer spending spree exceeding £200 million on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

The inclusion of a sell-on clause ensures Arsenal will benefit from any future transfer.

For Porto, Kiwior’s arrival promises to fortify their backline, with his robust defending, vertical passing, and ability to play as an interior full-back fitting Farioli’s tactical vision.

Kiwior’s move signals the end of his Arsenal chapter and the start of a new challenge at the Estadio do Dragao, where he aims to cement his place as a defensive cornerstone.