Arsenal have signed Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior for £21million.
The Gunners have confirmed that the left-footed centre-back, who joins from Italian side Spezia, has signed a “long-term” contract in North London. The 22-year-old moves to the Emirates after holding talks with club chiefs over the weekend. The Gunners have beaten a host of Serie A sides - including Juventus and AC Milan - to his signature.
Kiwior, who was an important part of Poland’s starting lineup at the World Cup - having only made his international breakthrough last year, with Robert Lewandowski, Poland's captain, labelling him "extraordinary" - further beefs up the Premier League leaders’ squad, becoming their second signing of the current transfer window, following the £27million arrival of Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Arteta said: “It’s great that Jakub is joining us. He’s a young versatile defender who has shown huge potential and qualities with Spezia in Serie A, and also at international level with Poland.
"Jakub is a player who will give us strength and quality to our defensive unit. We welcome Jakub and his family to Arsenal and look forward to working with him.”
Sporting Director Edu added: “He’s a young talent who we’ve been monitoring for a while now. We are now all looking forward to working with Jakub and seeing his continued development with us. We welcome Jakub to Arsenal.”
Kiwior said: “When I saw my name on an Arsenal shirt for the first time, I just laughed! I was so happy to see my name on the shirt of such a huge club. For me, it’s an incredibly happy moment and the pinnacle to play for such a big club.
“I’ve always dreamt of playing in the Premier League. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and if I got the chance, then I knew I’d have to make the most of it because it was one of my biggest dreams. For me, it’s the best league. I’m thrilled to be here.
“It’s huge for me that Arsenal were interested and that I’m able to be here. I’m aware that Arsenal are a massive club in a top league, so I didn’t really have to think about much else. I was just ecstatic and really wanted to come.
“I love passing the ball. I like teams that move the ball and try to create chances that way. So, I’m happy that I’ve come to a team like that.”
Kiwior was in the stands for Sunday's win over Manchester United.
“I had the chance to be at the stadium for the first time yesterday and to support the team from the stands like a fan,” he said. “It was a great experience. I was really happy that the result went in Arsenal’s favour.
"I hope I’ll get a taste of what the stadium is like from the pitch soon.”
Kiwior will provide competition for Gabriel in the Arsenal back line. The Brazilian has been a mainstay for the Gunners this term, but has lacked competition for his place, with William Saliba, Benjamin White and Rob Holding all right-footed and preferring to play on the right.
Kiwior will take the No.15 shirt and could make his debut in the FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Friday night.
