Napoli are keenly interested in securing the services of Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, a development reported by Il Mattino.
This interest from Napoli, known for their astute market strategies, is in line with their objective of reinforcing their squad economically during the January transfer window. The situation is becoming a hot topic in the football world, with TuttoMercatoWeb capturing the growing frenzy around Kiwior with the headline, ‘Everyone’s crazy about Kiwior’.
Kiwior’s limited appearances for Arsenal this season have not diminished his appeal. His performance in the UEFA Champions League, particularly in the group stage match against PSV Eindhoven on December 12, 2023, showcased his potential even if Arsenal were favourites according to the best UK betting sites. This has led to Napoli considering him for a loan deal, a move that aligns with their strategy of finding value in the transfer market.
Napoli, while not planning substantial investments in January, is preparing for substantial discussions in June, signaling their strategic planning for the future. The club’s sporting director, Mauro Meluso, is leading the search for defensive reinforcements, with Kiwior’s experience at Spezia and the interest from AC Milan making him a particularly attractive target.
In addition to Kiwior, Napoli’s scouting team, including Meluso and scout Maurizio Micheli, is evaluating several other defensive options. They have been linked with Max Kilman of Wolverhampton, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, and Martin Vitik from Sparta Prague. Tottenham’s Eric Dier, also attracting interest from Italian clubs like Roma, is on their list. A potential acquisition of Jerome Boateng, now a free agent, is also being considered as a cost-effective solution.
Kiwior’s performance in the 2023/24 season with Arsenal, despite limited playing time, has been commendable. The 22-year-old centre-back has made 12 appearances across various competitions, totaling 565 minutes. In the Premier League, he has been part of six games, playing 246 minutes. His notable performances include a full 90-minute game against Fulham FC, resulting in a 2-2 draw, and a solid display in a 5-0 victory over Sheffield United. Kiwior also played as a left-back in Arsenal’s 3-4 win over Luton Town.
In the UEFA Champions League, Kiwior featured in four matches, accumulating 139 minutes of play. His standout performance was in the full-time role against PSV Eindhoven. Earlier group stage appearances included brief moments against Sevilla FC and a significant part in the 6-0 thrashing of RC Lens.
Kiwior’s involvement in the EFL Cup saw him play the full duration of matches against Brentford FC and West Ham United. He was also part of the squad for the Community Shield final against Manchester City, where he remained on the bench during Arsenal’s win by penalties.