Arsenal’s announcement was buried within a news round up on their website
Arsenal have quietly completed their first outgoing transfer of the summer window, subtly confirming the permanent departure of defender Jakub Kiwior to Porto without a dedicated announcement.
The news was buried deep within a routine club website round-up on other loan players, including midfielder Fabio Vieira’s spell at Hamburg. In understated fashion, Arsenal stated: “Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto has now become permanent following the Dragões’ Liga Portugal title triumph last weekend. The Polish defender was an unused substitute in this weekend’s 3-1 defeat at AFS, in which the team was rotated.”
A £20m Signing Who Never Fully Settled
Signed from Spezia for around £20 million in January 2023, Kiwior arrived at the Emirates with considerable promise as a versatile centre-back capable of playing on the left. Over his time at Arsenal, the Polish international made 68 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.
His standout moment came during last season’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Stepping in for the injured Gabriel, Kiwior helped restrict a star-studded Madrid attack featuring Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo to just one goal across both legs, as Arsenal advanced with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.
Despite flashes of quality, Kiwior struggled for consistent first-team minutes amid Arsenal’s defensive strength. In September 2025, he joined Porto on loan, a move that has now been made permanent. Since arriving in Portugal, he has featured 38 times across all competitions.
Smart Business for Arsenal
From Arsenal’s perspective, the deal represents shrewd financial management. When combining the initial loan fee, the permanent transfer sum, potential add-ons, and sell-on clauses, the club could ultimately generate more than £22 million — delivering a profit on the original £20 million investment.
Porto, fresh off their Liga Portugal title success, announced the signing earlier this week. Kiwior has penned a contract until 2030 that includes a substantial €70 million release clause, underlining his value to the Portuguese champions.
Squad Evolution Under Arteta
Kiwior’s exit further illustrates Arsenal’s strategic evolution. At the start of the current season, the club moved to strengthen the left side of defence with the acquisition of Piero Hincapié, who has rapidly established himself as a fan favourite and key performer.
This low-key confirmation of Kiwior’s departure marks the first concrete squad change of the summer for Mikel Arteta’s side. While not a headline-grabbing sale, it reflects a methodical approach to squad trimming — freeing up resources, reducing wage commitments, and allowing younger or more established talents greater opportunities.
As the transfer window heats up, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see whether this signals the start of a busier period of incomings and outgoings. For Kiwior, the move offers a fresh chapter at a club where he can play regularly and compete for silverware immediately after helping Porto to domestic glory.
A quiet end to one era, and perhaps the beginning of another for both player and club.