Jakub Kiwior reveals how a private talk with Mikel Arteta led to his FC Porto loan despite Arsenal’s reluctance.
Jakub Kiwior has revealed that his FC Porto loan move was not initiated by Arsenal, but by his own determination to secure regular football. Despite the club’s reluctance, the Polish defender took matters into his own hands and personally persuaded Mikel Arteta to let him go.
Kiwior joined Arsenal from Spezia in 2023 for €20 million and made 68 appearances, including both legs of last season’s Champions League semi-final against PSG. However, competition for places intensified with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães firmly established, and new arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie further crowding the defensive line.
“I was valued there; no one wanted to get rid of me,” Kiwior told TVP Sport. “Arteta didn’t want me to leave for Portugal either, so I never felt unwanted. The decision to leave was entirely mine.”
The Conversation That Changed Arteta’s Mind
Rather than wait for club executives to make a call, Kiwior chose a direct approach. He went straight to Arteta and explained his ambition to play regularly at the top level.
“I convinced him myself,” Kiwior said. “He understood my ambitions and my desire.”
Initially, Arteta resisted the idea. The Arsenal manager values Kiwior’s versatility across the backline and midfield. But after their conversation, Arteta reportedly admired the defender’s professionalism and granted his request for a season-long move.
Jakub Kiwior’s loan to FC Porto includes an obligation to buy for £23 million, effectively allowing Arsenal to recoup their original investment from two years ago.
While Arsenal hesitated, FC Porto refused to give up. Kiwior confirmed that the Portuguese giants were “calling every day,” showing unwavering determination to bring him in.
“I had many offers, but when I saw Jan Bednarek had joined, I told myself: if it works out, it will be great—and it really is,” Kiwior added.
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The persistence of Porto’s sporting director and the presence of fellow Polish international Bednarek ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.
Life at Porto: No Step Down
Since arriving in Portugal, Kiwior has quickly settled into Porto’s system, featuring in five matches and helping maintain their unbeaten start to the Primeira Liga. The 24-year-old has impressed with his calm distribution and positional awareness, earning praise from fans and local media alike.
Kiwior insists that moving to Porto isn’t a step down from Arsenal but a strategic decision to continue his development.
“FC Porto and Arsenal have a lot in common. Great clubs, big ambitions, amazing fans and stadiums, and strong traditions,” he said.
Jakub Kiwior’s loan to FC Porto represents a rare example of player-driven decision-making in modern football. Instead of letting agents or executives dictate his path, Kiwior’s direct approach to Mikel Arteta showed courage and clarity.
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