(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media, Imago)

Oliver Walton

Sat 9 August 2025 18:48, UK

Arsenal look likely to seal an exit for defender Jakub Kiwior soon after news of Newcastle advancing in their move to sign a centre-back from a European giant.

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The Gunners’ defensive prowess has been praised over the last few years, with Mikel Arteta focusing on making his side hard to beat in the tackle and in the air.

Kiwior was signed from Spezia in 2023 on a long-term deal, and even though he offers a different dimension to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Maghalhaes, he has found it tough to nail down a consistent starting berth over the last few years.

(Credit Imago)

Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Kiwior is interested in a permanent move away from Arsenal this summer as he looks to increase his playing time after he made just 10 league starts last season.

Brown revealed to Football Insider last month that Kiwior still has his heart set on a move away from the Emirates Stadium, and he could now be set to join a huge club on the continent as a transfer domino effect begins.

Kiwior has been linked to Juventus this summer amid uncertainty around his future, but Gazzetta Dello Sports reported in June that Arsenal had met with AC Milan chiefs to discuss moves for the Polish international and his teammate, Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Their report stated that the “common opinion” among all decision-makers at the Italian giants was that their defensive options needed to be improved this summer, and now that a high-profile exit is soon to be confirmed, the Rossoneri are to be in desperate need of centre-back reinforcements.

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Milan defender Malick Thiaw is set to join Newcastle for £35million soon, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, with a four-year contract on the table and a medical booked on Tyneside.

Thiaw was a key man for Massimiliano Allegri’s side last term, and will be a big miss going forward with just three other senior centre-backs at his disposal for the upcoming campaign.

His impending exit will surely mean Milan try to sign a new player for the heart of their defence as soon as possible, and so Arsenal have the chance to offer Kiwior’s services and accelerate his exit, with the 25-year-old seemingly happy to move on.

Arteta has been able to bolster his midfield and attacking options this summer with the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Viktor Gyokeres arriving, while Christhian Mosquera looks set to take Kiwior’s place as a back-up centre-back going forward.

Zinchenko’s future has been up in the air for a while now, and he is in a similar situation to his Polish teammate, as he rarely played in league games but was trusted in the Champions League last season.

Appearances15Starts5Assists1Progressive passes per 908.2Aerials won per 902.05Blocks per 901.37Clearances per 901.71Zinchenko’s 2024/25 PL stats (FBref)

The 28-year-old joined the Gunners for £30million [The Athletic] from Man City in 2022, and he has often been used as a back-up in numerous positions while struggling to nail down a starting spot in North London.

Football Insider revealed in May that Zinchenko is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, and given that he is also a target for Milan, Arsenal could be tempted to sanction a double-sale soon as they garner funds for more incoming players.

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