Arsenal-bound Jakub Kiwior will be in a VIP box for Sunday's clash against Manchester United after a phone call with Mikel Arteta sold him on the Gunners.
The Pole is closing in on a move to the Emirates having impressed at Italian side Spezia. The 22-year-old was part of his country's World Cup efforts and is now about to complete a £17.5m switch to the Emirates and see his new side for the first time.
Arteta has been working with a limited squad throughout the season, with William Saliba and Gabriel his two main centre-halves. The addition of Kiwior will add further depth, with the Gunners still fighting across several fronts, after a chat with the Gunners boss swayed him.
His agent told Meczykipl: "Just before New Year, he had a phone conversation with Mikel Arteta discussing many details… he was enchanted." Kiwior will get his first glimpse of his new teammates when he watches them in action against the Red Devils.
The Arsenal boss has refused to discuss the imminent arrival but appeared optimistic it would be done. He said on Friday: "We cannot talk about players we haven't finalised. When that's the case, we can announce it."
Spezia boss Luca Gotti, whilst acknowledging the impressive opportunity presenting itself to the Pole, was frustrated by the sale. He said: "I am very happy for Kiwior and this opportunity he created for himself. It is also the biggest sale in Spezia's history and I imagine the club is happy with that too.
"However, I cannot be happy with it. There are coaches who constantly complain and ask for reinforcements, that is not me but I am often in a situation where my clubs sell at a big profit.
"That doesn't mean the players who arrive to replace them are worse, they are merely less ready to deliver. It is frustrating for a coach, as when you work to build them up, you then don't get to enjoy the fruits of your labour, as they are sold and you press the reset button."
Arsenal have surpassed all expectations by setting the pace in the Premier League. They are eyeing their first title since 2004 but questions have been asked about the depth of their squad, which is already being tested by the absence of Gabriel Jesus.
The north Londoners bought in Leandro Trossard from Brighton this week. The Belgian fell out of favour at the Amex and he will now bolster the Gunners' forward ranks with Arteta hailing his versatility.
