22 January 2023 , 12:12
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Robert Lewandowski has given a glowing review to Arsenal -bound star Jakub Kiwior.
The Gunners have already added Leandro Trossard this month and are now closing in on the capture of the Polish centre-half. The 22-year-old star has enjoyed a rapid rise at Spezia and, despite being a relatively unknown name, is close to completing a £21m switch to north London.
Kiwior was part of the Polish side that made the knockout stages of the World Cup, losing to runners-up France in the last 16. Lewandowski, a leading light for his country, was unaware of Kiwior's talent when he first came across him, but was quickly sold on the defender.
"The guy has great potential," said the Barcelona star. "During the warm-up of the game with the Netherlands, I thought, 'Who is this guy?'. Then, during the match, I realised that he is extraordinary."
Mikel Arteta has refused to give any comments on the potential new signing, but appeared optimistic about the chances of completing the deal. He said on Friday: "We cannot talk about players we haven’t finalised. When that’s the case, we can announce it."
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If a deal for Kiwior is struck in the coming days then he could make his debut next weekend when the Gunners take on Manchester City in the FA Cup. Arteta's side are currently competing in three competitions, including the Europa League.
Arsenal have largely stuck to the same centre-half pairing throughout the season. William Saliba, after several loan spells away, has established himself at the heart of defence alongside Gabriel. Ben White has been pushed out to right-back, but the imminent arrival of Kiwior will provide more depth.
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 4: Jakub Kiwior of Poland during the World Cup match between France v Poland at the Al Thumama Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Doha Qatar (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)The Gunners sit top of the Premier League with a healthy lead but are looking to push on in the second-half of the campaign. Arteta's side have surpassed all expectations by sitting top, but do have a thin squad that has been cited as a concern going forward.
Trossard's switch to the Emirates bolsters their attacking options. The Spanish coach is already working minus Gabriel Jesus, who is a long-term absentee, but was buoyed by the signing of the Belgian, who fell out of favour at Brighton after clashing with his coach.
Arteta said: "We are really happy to have him. He’s a player we have followed for a while now. The opportunity came - we had the necessity to have a player in the frontline who is versatile enough to play in different positions. He knows the league, he has enough experience here and I think he can have an immediate impact in the team."