According to Calciomercato, Juventus have entered the race to sign Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior this summer. The Serie A behemoths have shifted to plan B after failing to land Jean-Claire Todibo from OGC Nice.
The 24-year-old star’s future at the Emirates remains uncertain due to the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori. The former Bologna ace is in contention to compete for the centre-back and left-back spot in the upcoming campaign.
JAKUB KIWIOR CRAVING FOR GAME-TIME
It is logical to think that Kiwior is garnering interest, as the youngster would be in favor of getting regular game time. Even with limited opportunities, the Poland international played a key role in Gunner’s defence last season.
However, the North London club were impressed by Calafiori’s aggressive display for both club and country. Kiwior has fallen behind the pecking order due to this move.
With that being said, several European clubs are waiting to exploit this situation and are ready to offer a deal to the player.
AC Milan and Bologna have inquired but failed to negotiate a lower fee for the player. The former decided to sign Strahinja Pavlović from German side Salzburg. As per Fichajes, Arsenal are demanding at least £30 million for the defender.
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Mikel Arteta’s side will only accept a permanent move or a loan option with an obligation to buy. They will be more comfortable selling him permanently.
JUVENTUS SWITCH TO ‘PLAN B’ AS THEY HUNT FOR A NEW DEFENDER
Juventus’s entry has brought a spark to the entire transfer saga. Manager Thiago Motta is looking for centre-back options and was hoping to bring in Todibo as his first choice. However, West Ham hijacked the deal leaving the Bianconeri shaking their heads.
They have turned their attention to the Gunners star while also keeping tabs on Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet and Ajax’s Sutalo.
Motta has experience coaching Kiwior during his time at Spezia and he wants to add the left-footed defender to his roster. He will provide more options in defence alongside Glesion Bremer and Federico Gatti.
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The player is versatile enough to play as a centre-back, left-back or even as a defensive midfielder for Juve. He loves to play quarterback-like long balls from deep.
Amid all the positives, Arsenal are not in a rush to sell the player. Hence, the Serie A giants might need to offer a concrete proposal if they want to outshine other competitors in this tough transfer battle.
It remains to be seen whether there will be any important movements this week.
