Kiwior moves forward after Arsenal match | OneFootball

Jakub Kiwior remains a top target for FC Porto to strengthen the central axis of their defense, but negotiations have not progressed as the blue and white officials had hoped, as they were expecting concrete developments in recent days to secure a player who is favored by Francesco Farioli.

Despite the persistence of André Villas‑Boas with Arsenal, no agreement has been reached to make the signing possible. Mikel Arteta has called up Kiwior for this afternoon’s match at the Emirates against Leeds (5:30pm). It is unlikely that he will start—the defensive duo is expected to be the same as the one that played at Old Trafford in the win over Manchester United—although he may be used if there is any issue with Saliba or Gabriel Magalhães. For now, besides the Polish player, FC Porto also has the Spaniard Mosquera, signed this summer from Valencia, as an alternative. Calafiori can also play in central defense, but he has been used on the left flank and should remain there; this option may be due to the likely absence of Ben White through injury, which would force Arteta to move a center-back to right-back.

With Kiwior’s call-up, the process with FC Porto has been temporarily put on hold, but it is expected to resume right after today’s match. Meetings that could pave the way for the defender’s move to Dragão will intensify starting tomorrow, with strong hope that the deal will be concluded, either as a loan with an option to buy or as a permanent transfer—it will all depend on the numbers.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.