FC Porto are reportedly targeting a move for Arsenal centre back Jakub Kiwior – but one decision by Mikel Arteta has halted negotiations.
Kiwior, 25, signed for Arsenal for £20million in January 2023 from Italian side Spezia -a fee which Arteta will be hoping to make a profit on should he be sold.
The Polish defender is one of many players the Gunners are looking to move on in the final few weeks of the transfer window.
But Porto have reportedly been made to wait as they hope to advance negotiations to sign Kiwior, as per Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
It is believed that Arteta’s decision to include Kiwior in Arsenal’s squad for their match against Leeds on Saturday evening has delayed proceedings.
Porto are reportedly keen to waste no time and progress talks on Sunday.
FC Porto are reportedly waiting to advance negotiations to sign Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior
Mikel Arteta’s decision to include Kiwior in Arsenal’s squad for their match against Leeds on Saturday has delayed proceedings
The Dragons have strong hope that a deal can be secured, whether that be a loan move with an option to buy or an outright permanent transfer.
Arteta has a number of defenders to chose from who can play in central defence, including Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior, Mosquera, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
As well as Kiwior, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson could all depart before the end of this month.
Leandro Trossard’s future is also unclear as he has not signed a new deal and did not play at Old Trafford.
While the Gunners have spent nearly £200m on new signings already this summer, they could add further depth having already brought in the likes of Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi Noni Madueke.
Their new-look front line, spearheaded by Gyokeres, failed to click against Manchester United last week – although the team’s proficiency from set-pieces earned them an important win.
