Arsenal could soon be parting ways with defender Jakub Kiwior, with Portuguese giants Porto reportedly close to agreeing a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.
Sources say the total package could reach £26 million, factoring in the loan fee.
Kiwior’s Struggle to Cement a Spot at Arsenal
The 25-year-old Poland international joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023 for £20 million, but he has struggled to make a permanent mark under Mikel Arteta.
Over 68 appearances, Kiwior has primarily been used as backup for William Saliba and Gabriel, never quite becoming a first-choice starter.
Arsenal Considering Player Departures
With central defence options stacked, Arsenal see Kiwior as one of several players they could move before the transfer window closes next week.
Moving him on would also help make room in the squad for potential new signings.
Pursuing Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie
While Porto negotiates for Kiwior, Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie.
The Ecuador international has a £52 million release clause, but Arsenal are exploring ways to agree on a reduced fee.
Hincapie has long been admired in north London and appears open to a move.
However, Leverkusen have already lost several key players this summer and are adamant they will not sell Hincapie below the release clause, despite interest from Tottenham, Newcastle, and Liverpool.
Balancing Squad and Spending
Arsenal’s urgency to move Kiwior—and potentially Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is attracting interest from clubs like Fenerbahce—stems from the need to balance the squad before committing significant funds to Hincapie.
Arteta’s squad is already swollen following a summer of heavy spending, with nearly £200 million invested in new signings including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Skyrocketing Transfer Outlay
If Hincapie arrives before the deadline, Arsenal’s summer spending could exceed £300 million, pushing Mikel Arteta’s total outlay as Gunners manager beyond £1 billion since 2019.
The club now faces the challenge of managing both squad size and finances while chasing defensive reinforcements.
