Arsenal are holding firm on their valuation of defender Jakub Kiwior, who has already been the subject of several approaches this summer. However, Inter Milan are prepared to test their resolve after expressing an interest in bringing him back to Serie A.
Is Jakub Kiwior Leaving Arsenal?
A heavy summer investment for Arsenal has seen nearly $260 million spent on new arrivals, with only $10 million recouped in outgoings.
By all accounts the rest of their summer wishlist, which is said to be headlined by Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, is on hold until they are able to raise capital from further sales.
The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson and Sambi Lokonga are all at risk of being cut loose by Arsenal, while even players closer to the starting core could fall under that bracket.
Not least Jakub Kiwior, who despite impressing Arsenal fans at the backend of last season in Gabriel’s absence, could be used as makeweight for the Gunners’ other targets.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to keep Kiwior where possible, but the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, and notable interest in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, has left the Pole’s future uncertain.
Arsenal have this week rejected a proposal from Porto for Kiwior. The Portuguese club offered an initial loan with an option to buy for $30 million.
It is believed Arsenal’s preference is both for an immediate deal and a fee closer to $35m. The Gunners initially paid $26m for Kiwior in January 2023, and believe his value has increased since arriving from Spezia.
Inter Milan Ready to Swoop For Kiwior
Arsenal will not be forced into a sale given Kiwior represents new-found importance, having ended last season with a string of impressive performances.
They are, however, resigned to the fact that letting at least one important player leave before the end of the window, could allow them to land their key targets.
FootItalia now understands there is renewed interest from Italy — specifically from Inter Milan, who are losing faith in landing chief target Giovanni Leoni from Parma. Cristian Chivu had identified his former player as a potential future-proof signing, to add to what offshore sportsbooks believe to be a Scudetto-winning squad next term.
Giovanni Leoni remains their main defensive target and Inter are expected to keep working on the deal, but their need for defensive reinforcements could soon become more pressing.
Inter, along with Juventus and AC Milan, had made several approaches for Kiwior before Arsenal landed him two years ago. The Serie A cohort all held a preference for a summer deal, where they would have more liquidity to strike a deal, but Arsenal pounced to meet Spezia’s asking price.
Inter are now ready to reignite their interest, and having earmarked considerable cash for a new centre-back, they have room to spend.
Crystal Palace recently unsuccessfully tested Inter’s resolve in regards to Yann Bisseck’s asking price, which is reportedly not up for discussion.
Bisseck is no doubt an important asset for Inter, but important bids may soon arrive, and Kiwior’s availability at a reasonable price is an attractive option.
