Jakub Kiwior joins FC Porto from Arsenal permanently
Jakub Kiwior joins FC Porto from Arsenal permanently FC Porto announced the signing of Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal in a permanent deal yesterday. The 26-year-old made 68 appearances for the Gunners after moving to the Emirates Stadium club from Spezia in January 2023. Kiwior struggled to break into Arsenal’s starting XI under manager Mikel Arteta and left for Porto last summer on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy.
The Pole has played 38 games across all competitions in Portugal so far, helping Porto win the Primeira Liga title last week after starting in all 25 league games he featured in. Kiwior joins Porto in a four-year deal worth €17 million (£15m) plus up to €5m in add-ons. Arsenal will also earn €2m in any future potential sale and the Portuguese have inserted a €70m release clause in his contract.
The Pole will have no regret joining Porto after helping them to their first title since 2022. The Gunners are also eyeing their own league title and could end this season with both the Premier League and Champions League trophies. They booked a place in the final of the elite European competition last night following a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals on aggregate.
Arsenal brought in Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera following Kiwior’s exit, and both defenders have been crucial to their impressive campaign. More squad changes are on the cards at the North London club this summer as Arteta looks to improve his team for another shot at the major trophies next season. The Gunners fell short in their bid to win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term, with injuries depleting their squad depth at the worst possible time.
Necessary tweaks are needed to the team if Arsenal want to mount a stronger challenge for the quadruple next term.