Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen have enquired about the availability of Arsenal utility man Jakub Kiwior.
Bayer Leverkusen will be in the market for a new centre-back next summer, and according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Xabi Alonso’s team are interested in signing Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior. The Polish international is frustrated by the lack of minutes, and the German outfit have made an enquiry about him.
The Gunners had high hopes for Kiwior when they signed him from Spezia Calcio at the start of 2023. While Mikel Arteta values him highly, the 25-year-old hasn’t been able to establish himself as a key figure in the team.
While he was involved in 30 games during the 2023/24 season, he racked up just over 1,500 minutes of first-team action. The Polish defender wasn’t entirely pleased with the limited game time, and quite a few clubs did knock on Arsenal’s door last summer.
But Arteta had no plans of parting ways with him as he considers Kiwior a very important squad player. His versatility to play both as a centre-back and a left-back makes him a key asset for defensive rotations.
While the Spanish manager did manage to hold onto him last time out, he will struggle to keep him at the club this summer as he has only featured in 17 matches so far and has racked up just over 1,000 minutes.
Bayern Leverkusen are plotting a raid on Arsenal
Kiwior is keen on moving on from the London club as he seeks regular game time. Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as a potential destination for the 25-year-old. The 2023/24 Bundesliga champions could undergo massive changes at the back this summer, as Jonathan Tah is all set to leave the club.
The 29-year-old will be a free agent in a few month’s and he could end up joining Barcelona. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie’s future is also uncertain. As a result, Leverkusen do need to add more quality to their backline on a priority basis.
They consider Kiwior an ideal fit for Alonso’s system and their project. They have already knocked on Arsenal’s door to learn more about a potential transfer. The Polish international is valued at around €15 to €20 million, which shouldn’t be much of a problem for Leverkusen, who are certain to feature in next season’s Champions League.
