Serie A powerhouses Napoli have reportedly developed a 'concrete interest' in Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior as they consider alternatives to Tottenham Hotspur's Radu Dragusin.
Kiwior has had to play second fiddle to Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba since joining Arsenal from Spezia midway through the 2022-23 season, and he has often come under fire for shaky displays at the back when given a chance.
However, the Poland international recently enjoyed the finest week of his Gunners career, starting alongside Saliba in defence against Real Madrid and helping Arsenal keep a clean sheet in an astonishing 3-0 Champions League win.
Kiwior was also praised for his display in last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton, and the 25-year-old has likely cemented a starting role for the rest of the season while Gabriel recovers from a hamstring injury.
The centre-back's lack of minutes before Gabriel's blow naturally led to persistent links with a move away, though, and he has long been tipped to head back to Serie A if his situation does not improve.
Napoli 'considering Kiwior as Dragusin alternative'
© Imago
According to CaughtOffside, Kiwior is now the subject of concrete interest from Napoli, managed by former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte.
The 25-year-old is said to be an alternative defensive option to Spurs' Dragusin, who is on his way back from an ACL injury and may not play again for the rest of the calendar year.
Napoli apparently tested the waters with Arsenal in January over a move for Kiwior, but the Gunners refused to consider a sale midway through the campaign, and it remains to be seen if they change their stance this summer.
The Poland international is still contracted to Arsenal for another three seasons, meaning that the Gunners are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old, whom they paid £16.9m for in 2023.
Kiwior has contributed two goals and five assists in 58 games for Arsenal in that time, including two helpers - both of which have come in the EFL Cup - from 20 games in the current season.
The argument for and against selling Kiwior
© Imago
The Kiwior situation could be one of the most curious cases of the summer window for Arsenal, as his stock may be higher than ever come the end of the 2024-25 season.
The 25-year-old will continue to act as Gabriel's deputy for as long as he is fit, and if he continues to shine between now and the end of the season, Arsenal will be well-placed to demand a huge profit on their £16.9m outlay.
However, that is a very big if, and in previous matches, Kiwior has failed to inspire confidence in possession, nor does he boast the same set-piece threat as his superior Gabriel.
Nevertheless, letting Kiwior go would raise funds for Arsenal's striker, winger, midfielder and goalkeeper search, but left-sided centre-backs are one of the most priceless commodities in football.
The Gunners cannot allow themselves to go into 2025-26 with a weaker defence than what they already have, so unless an interested team stumps up a ridiculous amount, Arsenal should slap a not-for-sale sign on the 25-year-old.
Ben Knapton
