Arsenal take full advantage of Barcelona's failure to heed Lewandowski transfer advice

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £20 million deal with Spezia to sign centre-back Jakub Kiwior - and he has already been recommended to top clubs by Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski.

Kiwior, who is a Polish international, was included in his nation's squad for the World Cup, starting all four of their games at centre-back. He can also play left-back, and in defensive midfield. A move to Arsenal, reported by Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk, is close.

The 22-year-old has been described as 'very impressive' by Serie A expert Matteo Bonetti, and his ball-playing abilities will make him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta's style at Arsenal.

A left-footed defender, Kiwior will likely compete with Gabriel for a spot on the left of Arsenal's central defensive pairing. He last played on Thursday in Spezia's 5-2 Coppa Italia defeat to Atalanta, so certainly isn't short of match fitness.

And the Pole, who played alongside Gunners midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga at youth level for Anderlecht, could become Arsenal's second January signing after Leandro Trossard joined from Brighton on Friday.

It looks as if club scouts have held the same view on Kiwior as the player's compatriot, Lewandowski, who sent a hint in Barcelona's direction to sign him last summer.

Lewandowski praise towards Kiwior

Speaking during an international break in September (quotes via Football Italia), Lewandowski was full of praise for Kiwior.

He explained: "The guy has great potential. During the warm-up of the game with the Netherlands, I thought, 'Who is this guy?'

"Then, during the match, I saw that he is extraordinary."

At the time, the defender was of interest to Italian giants AC Milan, as well as West Ham. In addition, he was also linked with a move to Juventus by Gazzetta dello Sport as a replacement for Alex Sandro. Tuttomercatoweb, meanwhile, claimed that Borussia Dortmund saw a bid of €22 million turned down by Spezia.

However, it is Arsenal that look set to officially complete a deal for the 22-year-old, and if he signs imminently, he could make his debut for the club in their FA Cup fourth round tie against Manchester City on January 27.

As for Barcelona, they are yet to sign a replacement for Gerard Pique, who retired at the end of last year, and will now be unable to take Lewandowski's advice in signing Kiwior.