Football
Exclusive: Bournemouth Make Move for Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as Villarreal Circle
Bournemouth are preparing to bid for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, but Villarreal are also interested. The Poland international impressed last season but faces competition for playing time. Bournemouth seeks defensive cover after key departures, making Kiwior an attractive option.
Arsenal v Villarreal - Pre-Season Friendly by Alex Burstow | Getty Images
Bournemouth are interested in signing Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
But our sources have also learnt that Villarreal have also enquired about trying to tempt the Spanish centre-back to Spain.
Poland international Kiwior impressed as a replacement for the injured Gabriel with the Gunners at the back end of last season.
But Gabriel’s return to fitness and the arrival of Spanish defender Christian Mosquera to the Emirates Stadium from Valencia this summer is likely to mean the 25-year-old’s opportunities are limited.
Kiwior joined the Gunners on a four-year deal in January 2023 in a deal worth £17.6million, but the Poland international has played just 44 Premier League games across three seasons for the club.
The 35-cap international played his most game during the 2023-24 season, featuring 20 times in the league.
But last season he failed to cement a regular starting place with Brazil international Gabriel manager Mikel Arteta’s preferred first-choice.
He won the Community Shield with the club in 2023 but has had to wait patiently for his chance under the Spaniard.
Arteta has strengthened across the board this summer as he looks to challenge for the Premier League crown.
NEW SIGNINGS
Midfielder Martin Zubimendi and striker Viktor Gyokeres have both joined for good money, as has winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
Bournemouth are desperate for defensive cover having sold Ilya Zabarnyi to Champions League winner Paris Saint Germain and Dean Huijsen to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Left-back Milos Kerkez has also left to join Premier League champions Liverpool, with the Cherries having had their defensive heart ripped out.
And that’s why the club are looking at bringing Kiwior in, especially with his international and Premier League experience.
Villarreal are also on the hunt for a new centre-back, but the Cherries believe they will win the race for his signature.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.