According to Foot Mercato, FC Porto have submitted a loan bid with obligation to buy for Jakub Kiwior, but Arsenal have rejected the approach. The Gunners will only consider a permanent transfer for a higher fee.
Arsenal have turned down a formal offer from FC Porto for Jakub Kiwior, with sporting director Andrea Bertamaking the club’s stance clear — the Poland international is not for sale unless a larger permanent fee is on the table.
Foot Mercato reports that Porto submitted a proposal for a loan with an obligation to buy worth around £23 million, but the Gunners politely declined the offer. Arsenal would prefer to keep Kiwior for at least one more season, especially after his impressive displays at the back end of last term.
Why Arsenal Are Reluctant to Sell Kiwior
While Kiwior remains behind William Saliba and Gabriel in the pecking order, Mikel Arteta values his presence as a dependable squad option — particularly after stepping up during Gabriel’s injury absence in the latter stages of 2024/25.
Kiwior, 25, proved himself as a reliable left-footed defender in high-stakes Premier League matches and has been described by the media as a “sensational talent”.
“He’s calm on the ball, strong in the air, and tactically aware — you need depth like this to win titles,” said an Arsenal analyst. — GiveMeSport
Arsenal Transfer Outlook: Outgoings Still Needed
Despite over £200 million spent already this summer, Arsenal have raised less than £10m in player sales, with only Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos exiting permanently.
Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko are both in talks with Fulham, and reports from Ben Jacobs suggest Arsenal value Zinchenko at £15 million. Kiwior, however, is not being forced out — and any decision will rest heavily on fee and player desire.
Jakub Kiwior – Arsenal 2024/25 Season Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Starts | 17 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.1 |
| Clearances per 90 | 3.4 |
| Passing Accuracy | 89% |
| Clean Sheets in Starts | 9 |
Analyst Verdict
Kiwior’s resurgence last season is central to Arsenal’s thinking. Selling now, especially on a cut-price obligation deal, makes little sporting sense for a team chasing silverware on multiple fronts.
Unless Porto — or another suitor — returns with a substantial permanent offer, expect the Polish international to stay in north London, where he offers left-centre-back depth few clubs can match.
Should he leave, however, sources suggest Arsenal would fast-track plans to move for Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, another player admired by Berta.
Key Insights
- Arsenal have rejected a loan + obligation bid from Porto for Jakub Kiwior
- The club only want a permanent sale for a larger fee — or to keep him
- Kiwior impressed during Gabriel’s injury spell in 2024/25
- Arsenal are still offloading squad players like Nelson and Zinchenko
- Berta has Jérémy Jacquet lined up if Kiwior leaves
What’s Next?
Unless Porto improve their offer significantly, Arsenal are expected to retain Kiwior into the 2025/26 season. However, the final decision may depend on the player’s preference as the September 1 transfer deadline approaches.
All eyes now turn to potential movement around Nelson, Zinchenko, and whether Arsenal make a formal move for Eberechi Eze in the final weeks of the window.
Should Arsenal keep Kiwior for squad depth — or cash in while the market’s hot?