Porto have confirmed the permanent signing of Jakub Kiwior.
Kiwior joined Porto on a season-long loan deal during last summer’s transfer window after holding crunch talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about his playing time.
“I laughed at that information because it was the exact opposite,” Kiwior told Polish broadcaster TVP Sport, when asked about the Gunners looking to sell him.
“Arsenal didn’t want to let me leave London and didn’t agree to a transfer for a long time. I was valued for the player and footballer I was. Nobody wanted to get rid of me.
“The club didn’t want to let me go and it took a long time for them to agree to the transfer. I was valued there; no one wanted to get rid of me.
“Arteta didn’t want me to leave for Portugal either, so I never felt unwanted. The decision to leave was entirely mine. I wanted to play, but with Gabriel and Saliba ahead of me, the chances were small.
“I convinced him (Arteta) myself. I went to talk to him and explained how I saw everything. He understood my ambitions and my desire to play, and he thanked me for how I behaved as both a person and a player.
“He accepted my reasoning, spoke with the sporting director, and things moved quickly after that.”
Kiwior’s loan was always expected to be made permanent at the end of the season and Porto have announced they have triggered the option to sign the Poland international for an initial £14million fee that could rise to £19million.
Furthermore, Kiwior has signed a four-year deal - which contains a £60m release clause - at the Estadio do Dragao after helping Porto claim the Primeira Liga title.
A statement reads: “FC Porto has exercised the purchase option stipulated in the loan agreement with Arsenal FC and will now permanently own the sporting registration rights and 100% of the economic rights of Jakub Kiwior for a fixed fee of €17 million, plus a maximum variable remuneration of €5 million depending on the achievement of certain objectives.
“Arsenal FC will retain a fixed amount of €2 million in any potential future transfer of the player.
“It is further informed that FC Porto has signed a contract with the Polish international defender valid until June 2030, with a release clause of €70 million.
“Arsenal FC will assume responsibility for the solidarity mechanism due to third parties, and FC Porto declares that this transfer did not involve any intermediary intervention.”
Kiwior’s departure, yet to be confirmed by Arsenal, is the first deal of what is expected to be a busy summer of outgoings for the Gunners.
Standard Sport understands a midfield signing is on Arsenal's wishlist for the upcoming transfer window to help ensure there is less reliance on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi next season.
