Who is £17.5m Arsenal target Jakub Kiwior? The 22-year-old Polish star stands out in a battling La Spezia team, is a left-footed centre-back and can provide much-needed cover for Thomas Partey in defensive midfield
- Arsenal are nearing completion in a deal to sign Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior
- The Poland international has become a breakthrough player in the Serie A side
- Kiwior played in the Slovakian professional league just two years ago
- But would provide cover at centre-back and defensive midfield for the Gunners
Arsenal have moved closer to completing the signing of Polish defender Jakub Kiwior from Serie A side Spezia as Mikel Arteta targets more January reinforcements.
But who is the relatively unheard of soon-to-be Gunners new-boy and what can Arsenal fans expect from the 22-year-old centre-back? Sportsmail finds out.
Arsenal's shock £17.5million move for the defender comes as a surprise to many, with the Gunners having already acquired Leandro Trossard from Brighton in the January transfer window and looking well-stocked in other areas.
Arsenal are reportedly nearing completion of a deal to sign Poland defender Jakub Kiwior
Kiwior (right) made four appearances at the Qatar World Cup for his nation last year
But Kiwior's capture represents Arteta's aims of recruiting young players with potential and turning them into world beaters, as is the case with William Saliba who has been one of the club's stars of the season.
Kiwior isn't a household name to many since joining relegation-threatened Serie A team Spezia on a four year contract at the start of last season from Slovakian professional outfit MSK Zilina.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in January reinforcements
But in the season-and-a-half he has been at the Italian side, Kiwior has become a key figure within the side and an important member of Luca Gotti's squad.
Often deployed in central defence, Kiwior is a versatile defensive-minded player who is capable of playing at full-back and more importantly for Arsenal supporters defensive midfield, with the new recruit able to provide competition for Thomas Partey.
As a left-footed player he adds a different dimension amongst Arsenal's defenders with Gabriel the club's only other recognised centre-back who prefers to play of that foot.
Kiwior made 43 appearances in all competitions for Spezia with him making 22 league outings during his first season in the Italian top-flight before continuing his mainstay in the team this season.
The Poland international isn't the most prolific of goalscoring defenders having failed to find the back of the net since making the switch to Spezia in 2021.
Kiwior (left) only joined Italian Serie A strugglers Spezia at the start of last season
Kiwior is expected to provide cover for Arsenal's defensive midfielder Thomas Partey (pictured)
An impressive debut season in Italy caught the attention of the Poland national team with Kiwior selected for their World Cup squad in Qatar.
He made his national team debut earlier in the year and went on to make four appearances in the Middle East during Poland's disappointing campaign.
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