Arsenal have confirmed the permanent departure of Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior to Portuguese champions Porto after the club activated the purchase option included in his loan agreement.
The 26-year-old centre-back brings an end to his two-and-a-half-year stay at the Emirates Stadium, having joined the Gunners from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.
Announcing the transfer on Wednesday, Arsenal paid tribute to the defender’s contributions during his time in north London, highlighting his versatility and professionalism.
“The 26-year-old defender spent two-and-a-half years in north London after arriving from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.
“During his time with us, he has made 68 appearances, demonstrating his versatility and becoming a hugely respected member of the squad.
“Jakub collected a Community Shield winners’ medal in 2023, but arguably his most notable performances in red and white were the two he produced against Real Madrid in the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals,” the club said in a statement.
Kiwior secured a permanent move after an impressive loan spell at Porto during the 2025/26 season, where he established himself as a key figure in the club’s defence.
He featured in 42 matches across all competitions, including 26 Primeira Liga appearances, helping Porto reclaim the Portuguese league title for the first time in four years. The champions conceded just 18 goals in those league matches, underlining the defensive solidity that Kiwior helped provide.
Reflecting on the defender’s career progression, Arsenal noted that he began his professional career in Slovakia before making the move to Italy.
“He started his professional career with the Slovakian team FK Železiarne Podbrezová before moving to Žilina in the same country. From there, he joined Spezia, where he spent the next 18 months before moving to Emirates Stadium.
“Last season saw him initially head on loan to Porto, and he made 42 appearances in all competitions, including 26 in their Primeira Liga-winning campaign in which they conceded just 18 goals to clinch the title for the first time in four seasons,” the statement added.
On the international stage, Kiwior has become an established member of the Polish national team since making his senior debut in 2022.
The defender has represented Poland at various youth levels before earning 45 senior caps.
“Jakub played youth international football through the age groups for Poland and went on to make his senior debut in 2022. He has now been capped 45 times by his country.
“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Jakub for his contribution during his time at the club, and wishes him all the best for the future,” the club concluded.
Kiwior leaves Arsenal having made 68 appearances in all competitions and won the 2023 Community Shield, while his performances during the club’s run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals remain among the highlights of his time in North London.