Napoli have set their sights on Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, with Il Mattino reporting the club’s interest in the defender.
In search of an economical [read ‘cheap’] reinforcement during the January transfer window, Napoli are eyeing a potential loan deal for Kiwior, who hasn’t seen much game time at Arsenal this season. With AC Milan also being incessantly linked, TuttoMercatoWeb report that ‘Everyone’s crazy about Kiwior’.
Napoli are reportedly interested in Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior, as revealed by Il Mattino.
The Italian club is said to be seeking a cost-effective option in the January transfer window and are considering a loan move for Kiwior, who has had limited opportunities at Arsenal despite his recent Champions League start against PSV Eindhoven.
The pursuit of Kiwior comes as Napoli aim to strengthen their defence, with the club looking at various potential signings.
Despite not planning any major investments in January, Napoli are preparing for discussions in June, when a new financial cycle begins.
Kiwior, who previously played for Spezia and is also attracting interest from Milan, is a target for Napoli‘s sporting director Mauro Meluso.
Alongside Kiwior, Napoli‘s list of defensive targets includes several notable names, some of whome have also been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Max Kilman of Wolverhampton, who recently extended his contract until 2028, is no longer being considered.
Napoli‘s scouting team, led by Meluso and scout Maurizio Micheli, are also monitoring Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Martin Vitik, a 20yo player from Sparta Prague.
Additionally, Tottenham‘s Eric Dier, who has been linked with other Italian clubs like Roma, is also on their radar.
A low-cost solution could also see them exploring the option of signing free agent Jerome Boateng.
Jakub Kiwior’s 23/24 so far
Jakub Kiwior, the 22-year-old centre-back for Arsenal, has had limited participation in the 2023/24 season across several competitions. His overall stats reflect 12 appearances, totalling 565 minutes of playing time.
In the Premier League, Kiwior has featured in six games, totalling 246 minutes on the pitch. His notable performances include starting and playing the full 90 minutes against Fulham FC, where Arsenal drew 2-2, and another full match against Sheffield United, which saw Arsenal secure a 5-0 victory. Additionally, Kiwior played 64 minutes as a left-back in Arsenal’s 3-4 win over Luton Town.
Kiwior’s involvement in the UEFA Champions League includes four matches, totalling 139 minutes. He played the entire 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven.
In earlier group stage matches, his appearances were brief, with one minute against Sevilla FC in a 1-2 loss, five minutes in a 2-0 win over the same team, and 45 minutes in the 6-0 thumping of RC Lens.
In the EFL Cup, Kiwior played the entirety of both matches. He was on the field for the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Brentford FC and the 3-1 defeat at West Ham United.
While Kiwior was part of the squad for the Community Shield final against Manchester City, he did not leave the bench in Arsenal’s win decided by penalties.