Spezia president explains what was ‘very difficult’ about Arsenal’s Jakub-Kiwior deal
Spezia president Philip Platek admits it was a “very difficult decision” to sell Jakub Kiwior to Premier League leaders Arsenal for £20m in January, speaking to Sportowe Fakty.
In 2021, the Polish national player Kiwior was put through his paces in the reserves at the Slovakian club MSK Zilina. In fact, he only took his first steps in a major European league around 18 months ago.
So the unveiling of Kiwior at Emirates Stadium last month was the culmination of a remarkable rise from one of Europe’s most exciting young centre-backs.
“He came to Spezia from the Slovak club and quickly showed his huge potential. He is a central defender, but can also play in other positions,” explains Platek, the Serie A club making a colossal profit with the 22-year-old colossus.
“When we had injuries in defensive midfielders, it was no problem for Kiwior to play there as a substitute. And when he went to the World Cup (with Poland), I immediately thought; “Many people will come for him soon”.
Jakub Kiwior leaves Spezia for Arsenal
Platek was right.
According to Kiwior’s agent, who spoke to TV Play, Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus all showed “interest” before his client signed a long-term deal with Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were also linked at various points in 2022.
“(Selling Kiwior) was a very difficult decision,” adds Platek. “It’s true, we’ve already had a few offers in the summer. There were different offers, different packages. Some low, some high. In the end, as you know, it was Arsenal.”
Kiwior could make his Arsenal debut in this weekend’s trip to the struggling Everton. A cultured, left-footed centre-back, he will provide valuable competition for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s XI with Gabriel Magalhaes.
“Kiwior’s move to Arsenal? It’s a pride for everyone; from club to player,” admits Stefano Melissano, sporting director of Spezia.
“We are proud and happy that Jakub will have this experience at one of the top ten clubs in the world. We’ve lost an excellent player and youngster, but we’re still Spezia. We will continue to have our identity.
“Were happy. Our transfer market was the result of the work planned over the past few months. Now we have to fix something (after Kiwior’s exit).”
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https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/03/spezia-president-explains-what-was-very-difficult-about-arsenals-jakub-kiwior-deal/ Spezia president explains what was ‘very difficult’ about Arsenal’s Jakub-Kiwior deal
