Jakub Kiwior has opened up about the “face-to-face” conversation he had with Mikel Arteta to ask for a move away from Arsenal, explaining how the decision to join FC Porto on loan — with an obligation to buy — was driven by his need for regular playing time.
Speaking to Łączy Nas Piłka while on international duty with Poland, the 25-year-old centre-back reflected on his journey and why he felt leaving Arsenal was the right step for his career at this stage.
Kiwior on leaving Arsenal for Porto
Kiwior joined Porto last summer after struggling for consistent minutes under Arteta. While the move might seem like a step down in league profile, the defender insists it was a necessary and positive change.
“As for Arsenal and Porto, league-wise, it might seem like a step back, but club-wise, it’s absolutely not,” Kiwior explained. “At Porto, I have what I lacked in London: regular playing time. I feel great here. I have people I trust around me.”
He added that joining a club of Porto’s stature was a straightforward decision:
“There wasn’t much to analyse — anyone interested in football knows how big a club Porto is.”
Since arriving in Portugal, Kiwior has made 10 appearances and already formed a strong central defensive partnership with compatriot Jan Bednarek, helping Porto maintain one of the best defensive records in the Primeira Liga.
“Face-to-face” conversation with Mikel Arteta
Kiwior revealed that while Arteta wanted him to stay, he personally requested a loan move to secure more minutes at centre-back — his natural position.
“The last conversation, no [it wasn’t difficult]. We already knew then that I would go on loan to Porto,” Kiwior said. “The coach emphasised how big the club was and wished me luck.”
However, he admitted that their earlier discussion — when he first asked to leave — was more challenging.
“The earlier conversation, when I asked for the loan, was more difficult. I’d never done this before, but I felt the time had come to speak with him face-to-face. He understood me and supported me.”
The Polish defender’s professionalism reportedly left a positive impression on Arteta and Arsenal’s staff, who agreed that regular top-level football would aid his long-term development.
| Stat (2025/26) | Jakub Kiwior |
|---|---|
| Appearances (FC Porto) | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles per Game | 2.3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% |
source: Sofascore – 14 November 2025
Our View: A mature decision from Kiwior
In our view, Kiwior’s move to Porto demonstrates a mature understanding of his career path. While leaving Arsenal may have seemed a setback from the outside, consistent playing time in a competitive European environment could be pivotal to his growth.
At 25, Kiwior is entering his prime years, and his performances in Portugal have already vindicated his decision. Should his progress continue, Arsenal may well reflect on this move as a mutually beneficial one — allowing Kiwior to flourish elsewhere while maintaining goodwill between player and manager.
Key Insights
- Jakub Kiwior joined Porto on loan from Arsenal with an obligation to buy.
- He revealed he had a “face-to-face” chat with Mikel Arteta to request the move.
- Arteta wanted him to stay but supported the defender’s decision.
- Kiwior says he now has the “regular playing time” he lacked in London.
- The Polish defender has made 10 appearances for Porto so far.
What’s Next
Kiwior will return from international duty to continue his solid start with Porto, who face Sintrese in a league clash later this month. With Poland’s World Cup qualifiers also on the horizon, the defender’s growing form and confidence will be a welcome boost for national team coach Michał Probierz.
👉 Arsenal fans — do you think Kiwior made the right call leaving for Porto, or should Arteta have kept him as defensive depth?
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