The future of Polish defender Jakub Kiwior could be decided within the next two days as FC Porto await a response from Arsenal regarding their proposal.
According to reports, Porto have submitted an offer worth around €26 million, and they are now giving the North London club 24 to 48 hours to provide clarity on whether they are willing to sanction the sale.
Arsenal Still Weighing Options
Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, has been a steady squad option for manager Mikel Arteta. While the 24-year-old is not a guaranteed starter in a defensive line that includes William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber, his versatility has made him a valuable piece of depth across multiple competitions.
Kiwior has featured at both centre-back and left-back, offering Arteta tactical flexibility. Sources close to the club insist that Arsenal have yet to make a final decision.
The offer on the table is substantial, and the Gunners are weighing the financial benefit against the risk of losing reliable depth, particularly with a season that will demand rotation across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Porto’s Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcements
For Porto, the pursuit of Kiwior is a clear statement of intent. The Portuguese giants are seeking to strengthen their back line after departures and squad reshuffling this summer.
Kiwior’s technical ability, composure on the ball, and experience at international level with Poland have made him an attractive target. At 24, Porto see him as a player who can step into their first team immediately while also retaining strong resale value in the future—a model they have relied upon successfully for years.
Reports indicate Porto are confident about the deal but acknowledge that everything rests with Arsenal’s internal deliberations. Kiwior himself was never expected to travel with Porto this week, with both parties understanding that no move would be finalized until Arsenal give their approval.
Arsenal’s Balancing Act
Arteta and sporting director Edu face a difficult balancing act. On one hand, the €26m bid represents a profit on a player who has mostly been a rotation option since his arrival.
On the other hand, Arsenal are determined to compete on multiple fronts this season, and depth is vital if they are to maintain momentum and avoid the injury crises that plagued parts of last year.
There is also the question of whether Arsenal could line up a replacement if Kiwior is allowed to leave. With just days left in the window, moving quickly in the market would be essential, and that consideration is part of the reason the club has not rushed into a decision.
Decision Imminent
The next 24 to 48 hours will be pivotal. Porto remain patient but firm in their expectation that Arsenal must provide clarity soon, given their own need to finalize squad planning before the start of the Portuguese league season and European competition commitments.
Whether Kiwior continues in North London as a trusted squad option or moves to Portugal for a fresh challenge, the outcome will underline Arsenal’s priorities in balancing immediate squad depth against long-term financial strategy.
