Jak Netting

In what has come as a surprise to many, Arsenal are set to sign 22-year-old Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior for a fee in the region of €25m, as per Fabrizio Romano. This move has left many fans asking themselves: ‘who?’ but, to most Italian football fans, Kiwior is already a household name. So what can Arsenal expect from the young Polish international?

One of his key qualities is his versatility which, for a team looking to improve their squad depth, is a massive boost. He can comfortably play as a left-sided central defender, left back or defensive midfielder. The vast majority of his career has been spent playing as a left-sided centre back, meaning he will be able to provide valuable cover to Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal’s only other left footed centre back, while also potentially filling in elsewhere if he is called upon.

He averages over a block per 90 minutes as well as more than 4 clearances. With almost 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game as well he has proven to provide solidity at the back. Given his pass completion rate of 85% and his average of 48 passes per 90 minutes, he is a player who will suit Mikel Arteta’s fast paced system which often involves playing out from the back.

One potential drawback is the fact that he has played predominantly in a back 5 for Spezia, which provides more cover for central defenders playing in it, meaning it may take him a while to adjust to playing in a flat back 4. These concerns can be allayed by the fact that he will no doubt, at least initially, serve as a deputy to Gabriel, meaning he will have plenty of time to adapt to the role if necessary.

Kiwior was reportedly also a target for the Premier League’s highest spenders Chelsea, before they decided to sign French defender Benoit Badiashile from AS Monaco instead. German giants Borussia Dortmund also saw a €22m offer rejected for the Pole just last week. With such club’s interested in him, it is clear that he is very highly regarded within the footballing world and should prove a to be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad.

In recent years, Arsenal have been very astute in the transfer market, and have developed a clear profile for players joining the club – and Kiwior fits their mould perfectly. He’ll be able to adapt and develop in the youngest squad in the Premier League – with the vision of earning a long-term starting role in Arteta’s plans. In the immediate, he provides superb cover across three positions which could prove crucial in their title push, especially when they return to the Europa League knockout stages in March. In summary, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing who will play a crucial role in arguably Arsenal’s most important season in decades. For the reported fee of just €25m, a snippet in today’s market, I struggle to see many, if any, real negatives to this deal – and, if his development goes well, Arsenal could have a real talent on their hands for years to come.

How do you feel about the signing on Jakub Kiwior? Let me know in the comments below.