Arsenal have secured a deal to sign Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior according to journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old joined Spezia back in the 2021 summer transfer window from Serbian club MSK Zilina, where he scored four goals and delivered seven assists in 61 appearances.
During his time in Italy, the centre-back has made 43 appearances for Spezia across all competitions but hasn’t been able to find himself on the scoresheet or provide an assist.
After starting all four of Poland’s games during the World Cup in Qatar, the defender has found himself destined for a move to the Premier League.
In a recent Twitter post, Romano had this to say on the matter.
He said: “Arsenal have completed the signing of Jakub Kiwior, here we go! Contracts are being signed with Spezia, fee in excess of €20m with add-ons. #AFC
“Understand Kiwior has agreed personal terms on five year deal — medical will be completed in the next 48 hours. It’s done.”
During his time at the World Cup, Kiwior ended the tournament with the third-highest average of clearances per game (3.3) in the Poland squad, as well as the joint-third highest average of interceptions per game (1).
Described by his fellow countryman Robert Lewandowski as an “extraordinary” player that has “enormous potential”, the defender has also shown his talent at club level this season.
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For example, as well as having the third-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (46) at Spezia in Serie A this season, he also has the highest passing accuracy percentage (84.3%) at the club out of players that have attempted more than five passes.
Bearing in mind how only Manchester City (87.4%) have a higher percentage of successful passes in the Premier League this season than Arsenal (83.4%), it’s easy to see why Mikel Arteta wants someone like the Spezia figure, who has proven to be very comfortable on the ball, in his squad.
Taking all of this into account, it’s clear why the Gunners have apparently secured a deal for the young defender given the talent he has on and off the ball.