One of Arsenal’s loanees is absolutely flying at his new club, earning praise from his manager.
Five Arsenal players are currently on loan, which wasn’t exactly what the club had planned, with the initial preference being sales.
One star whose future took an unexpected turn on deadline day was Jakub Kiwior, who found it difficult to leave Arsenal to sign for FC Porto.
It was always expected that Kiwior would leave, despite his quality performances over the 2024/25 season, but now, it’s fair to say the centre-half hasn’t looked back.
- READ MORE: Jakub Kiwior told Mikel Arteta he wanted to leave Arsenal because of William Saliba and Gabriel
FC Porto manager applauds Jakub Kiwior’s adaptation to new role
The Poland international signed for Porto on an initial loan, including an obligation to buy for €27m.
Though Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta might be looking at what is unfolding in Portugal and wondering if the correct decision was made.
Kiwior is earning rave reviews at Porto, with more praise coming after their latest win over Moreirense to go three points clear at the top of the Liga Portugal.
| Jakub Kiwior vs Moreirense |
| 126 touches |
| 1 assist |
| 100% tackles won |
| 100% ground duels won |
| 100% dribbles completed |
| 4 interceptions |
| 2 key passes |
| 90% pass success |
After the match, manager Francesco Farioli praised Kiwior, whom he was able to utilise at left-back in the later stages of the game thanks to the Pole’s work at Arsenal.
“Kiwior has played that position for Arsenal and the national team, so he can perfectly cover that position. What we expect from defenders is quality and physicality,” Farioli said.
The 25-year-old is showing how many strings he has to his bow whilst on loan, but not only through his positional flexibility.
Kiwior carves out the match winner for Porto
As Porto continue to lead the way in the Portuguese top-flight, Kiwior isn’t just playing his part defensively.
Against Moreirense, the defender claimed the match-winning assist for Porto’s 88th-minute winner.
Arteta would’ve absolutely loved what Kiwior produced when his side needed the win, not only claiming the assist, but stepping up in a different role, too.
It’s been a tremendous start to the 2025/26 season for Kiwior, who deserves to be playing regularly for one of Europe’s top clubs.
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