Jakub Kiwior courted by Napoli ahead of January transfer window

Serie A giants Napoli are keen to add some defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window and have earmarked Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as a prime target, according to Calciomercato.

Antonio Conte’s side are currently second in Serie A but have been recently dealt a huge blow with Alessandro Bongiorno set for a spell on the sidelines.

Unsurprisingly, Napoli now have their sights set on bringing in a new central defender at the next available opportunity to aid their quest for a second Scudetto in three years.

A move for Kiwior in January is reportedly the most preferred option, but Napoli will have to navigate a huge financial stumbling block, given Arsenal would prefer a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The Polish international joined Arsenal from Spezia last January for a fee of around €25 million. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, regular first-team opportunities have been limited under Mikel Arteta, primarily serving as a backup to first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel.

Kiwior has made just two Premier League starts midway through the season so far and will be keen for more game time, so the rationale behind a move away from the Emirates is not far-fetched.

Per Tutto Mercato Web, the 24-year-old has instructed his agents, who also represent Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, to meet with I Partenopei as he’s open to moving to Naples despite also being wanted by Juventus.

While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta values Kiwior as a versatile squad member capable of providing depth across the backline, the player’s desire for regular playing minutes may influence the club’s decision regarding a potential exit.

Allowing Kiwior to leave could be mutually beneficial for both parties, granting him the opportunity to get his career back on track in Italy and providing Arsenal with funds to potentially reinvest in the squad given recent injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.