Arsenal confirm Kiwior sale to Porto for €17m plus add-ons

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Arsenal have officially confirmed the permanent sale of Jakub Kiwior to Porto for an initial fee of €17 million, with up to €5 million in potential add-ons.

The Poland international, who spent this season on loan at the Portuguese giants, has signed a contract until 2030 with a €70 million release clause. Arsenal will also receive €2 million from any future transfer involving the defender.

Kiwior joined the Gunners from Serie A side Spezia in January 2023 for approximately €20 million and made 68 appearances, scoring three goals during his time in north London. The 26-year-old enjoyed two notable spells in Arsenal’s first team – initially at left-back between January and March 2024 as the club challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title, and later at centre-back towards the end of last season when he stepped in for the injured Gabriel.

Arteta’s blessing despite wanting to keep Kiwior

According to Arseblog, Mikel Arteta was keen to retain the Polish defender but chose not to stand in his way when Kiwior expressed his desire for more regular first-team football.

The timing worked well for Arsenal’s squad planning, as sporting director Andrea Berta quickly secured a replacement in Piero Hincapie on a loan deal that will become permanent this summer.

Kiwior’s move to Porto has proven successful from the outset. The defender has featured 38 times this season and played a crucial role in helping Porto secure the Primeira Liga title with two games to spare.

Mixed return on investment

While Arsenal will receive slightly less than they initially paid for Kiwior, the deal includes performance-based add-ons and a sell-on clause that could boost the overall return. The defender’s market value had increased during his time at Arsenal, but the move to the Portuguese league likely influenced the final fee structure.

Kiwior’s departure represents a sensible piece of business for all parties involved. The defender gets the regular playing time he craved, Porto secure a proven performer who has already contributed to their title success, and Arsenal create squad space while maintaining a financial stake in his future development.

With Hincapie set to arrive as a permanent signing and Arsenal’s defensive depth looking strong, the Polish international’s exit allows the club to focus resources on other areas of the squad for the upcoming transfer window.