Arsenal have announced that they have signed Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior, with the fee for the Poland international believed to be around £21m.
The 22-year-old played for Poland at the World Cup and he was watching on from the stands as Arsenal beat Man Ud 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Kiwior had a spell at Anderlecht earlier in his career and he has played 43 times for Spezia since 2021.
Arsenal said Kiwior, a left-sided central defender, had signed a long-term contract, with the fee reported to be in the region of £21million.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta told the club’s website: “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.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu added: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Jakub Kiwior. He’s a young talent who we’ve been monitoring for a while now.”
Speaking on his move 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 is Arsenal’s second January signing. They have already spent around £21m to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton. The fee for him could rise to £27m with add-ons.
The Belgium international impressed off the bench against Man Utd over the weekend. Club legend Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for Trossard following his debut.
“Trossard is a really good player. Better at the moment than what people think he is,” the Spaniard said.
“He showed that at Brighton, he showed it today for a couple of minutes. He is different to what they have got, he plays between the lines, he can score goals, play in different positions up-front.”
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