Robert Lewandowski’s comments on Jakub Kiwior have resurfaced in the wake of the defender’s imminent transfer to Arsenal.

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Jakub Kiwior, with Charles Watts reporting that the defender spent the afternoon at London Colney finalising his move and meeting his new teammates.

Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk reports that Kiwior will watch Arsenal’s match against Manchester United from the stands on Sunday, joined by close friends and family and Arsenal technical director Edu.

In light of the incoming defender’s move, Robert Lewandowski’s comments about the centre-back have resurfaced.

The two players played together for Poland for the first time over the summer, and Lewandowski explained his first impression of his new teammate in September.

“I first noticed him in the warm-up against the Netherlands and I thought: ‘Shit, what kind of player is he?'” Lewandowski said (via @EmiliaRoe42)

“I saw his moves, passing, overhead kicks, and how he’s using his foot. And during the game, I was like: ‘Wow, great potential.'”

Gianluca Di Marzio shared footage on Saturday morning of Kiwior entering an airport on his way to leave Italy for north London.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal and Serie A side Spezia have both already signed the relevant documents to complete a transfer, so once Kiwior completes his medical and signs his contract, the deal will be done.

The transfer is set to cost €20-25m, with the player signing a contract lasting until 2028.

Polish outlet Meczyki initially broke the story of Arsenal’s imminent deal, and they report that Mikel Arteta has wanted the 22-year-old defender for a while.

There have been protracted negotiations over a move, despite the news only breaking publicly the day before he travelled for his medical.

Serie A clubs including Juventus, Napoli, and AC Milan were all linked with a move for the left-footed centre-back, but Kiwior is set to turn them all down for Arsenal.

Also comfortable playing at left-back or in midfield, Kiwior made his international debut last June. He’s gone on to start every game for his country since then – including four starts at the World Cup as Poland kept two clean sheets.

The 6’2″ defender was under contract with Spezia until 2025, having joined them in 2021, and he made 20 appearances for them in Serie A and the Italian cup competitions this season.