A Serie A expert has given the lowdown on Jakub Kiwior after Arsenal reportedly agreed a £20 million deal to sign the centre-back.
Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk has revealed that a deal is close to bring the defender to the Emirates Stadium.
Currently plying his trade in Serie A with Spezia, Kiwior is primarily a centre-back, but can also play at left full-back and in defensive midfield.
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He is a tough-tackling defender who is also strong when the ball is at his feet, Kiwior represented Poland at the recent World Cup, starting every game on the left side of central defence.
The ball-playing quality is likely what has attracted considerable interest from the Gunners, with Arteta's style of play requiring comfortable passers in defence in addition to their all-round role-specific ability.
The club are pressing ahead with business as January concludes, having already agreed a deal to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton.
Both players, if the deals are finalised, will join Arsenal for a combined fee of over £40 million, far lower than the £88 million bid, including add-ons, that they submitted for Mykhailo Mudryk before his Chelsea move.
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But what can Gunners fans expect from their new signing?
Serie A expert praises Kiwior
Reacting to initial reports of a deal being agreed for Kiwior, Serie A expert Matteo Bonetti wrote on Twitter: "Good scouting from Arsenal here. Kiwior has been very impressive for Spezia. Looks very composed for his age - should develop into a starter long term.
"Kiwior's ability on the ball is likely what got the interest of Arsenal. Nice passing range and confident building out from the back."
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On the 22-year-old's versatility, Bonetti added: "Also worth noting that Kiwior has played 21 matches as a defensive midfielder in his career, compared to 97 as a centre-back and nine times at left-back."
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Kiwior has agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal, with a move likely to be expected imminently.
He will compete for a starting position with Gabriel on the left side of the Gunners defence, and could potentially provide an option in midfield given his experience playing there in the past.
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfers