Arsenal close in on shock €20million Jakub Kiwior signing
Arsenal are closing in on the €20million signing of Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia.
The Gunners Sporting Director Edu flew to Poland last week where he was reported to have held talks over Mykhailo Mudryk’s proposed move to north London.
Arsenal were rocked when the Ukraine international subsequently joined Chelsea, but Arsenal have moved on swiftly from that disappointment and are looking to complete a deal for the 22-year-old in the coming days.
Kiwior, a left-sided centre-half, is set to undergo a medical this weekend, according to Fabrizio Romano, and will pen a five-and-a-half year contract.
Arsenal have been hoping to sign a player capable of deputising for Gabriel Magalhaes for some time which partly explained their interest in Lisandro Martinez last summer.
The Brazil international signed a new long-term contract earlier this season but Arsenal are mindful of the need to have a quality alternative in each position on the assumption they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With Rob Holding almost certain to depart in the summer, Arsenal are looking at maintaining a squad with five high-quality central defensive options and with Kiwior joining Gabriel, Ben White, William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mikel Arteta will have exactly what he desires.
Arsenal are said to remain relaxed, meanwhile, over the state of play concerning Saliba’s contract which has 18 months let to run.
After spending nearly three years either on loan or frozen out, the France international has fully justified the hype that accompanied his arrival as a teenager back in the summer of 2019.
And, speaking after playing a key role in last Sunday’s landmark north London derby win, Saliba outlined his happiness and apparent readiness to sign a new deal.
He said: ‘I am so happy here,’ said Saliba.
‘The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here.’
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