Arsenal transfer interest 'reignited' for ace Robert Lewandowski hailed as 'extraordinary'

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has reportedly emerged as a target for AC Milan, who were linked with a move for the Pole during the January transfer window. Kiwior, who once received high praise from compatriot Robert Lewandowski, has played a bit-part role for the Gunners since joining the club from Spezia last year.

The versatile defender made 11 league starts for Arsenal last season, with the majority of his appearances coming from the bench. A return to Italy could be on the cards before the new campaign gets underway with Milan said to have reignited their interest in his services.

According to Foot Mercato, the Italian giants are not prepared to give up their pursuit of Kiwior having been fond of him since his time at Spezia. They tried to sign him before he joined Arsenal and were reportedly keen on a January move, but nothing materialised and he ended up staying in England.

The report states that Kiwior has been made a ‘priority’ target by Milan, who are also searching for a successor to outgoing boss Stefano Pioli. It remains unclear if Arsenal will be prepared to let go of Kiwior given that he remains tied down until the summer of 2028.

Kiwior is clearly rated highly by Mikel Arteta, who lavished praise on the defender in February after being left impressed by his progress. Arteta said: “I think he has adapted really well and he is playing better and better, you can tell that he is earning confidence and physically he is better. He understands the role much better and he has been really good.”

The Arsenal man has also been lauded by none other than Lewandowski, who shares a dressing room with Kiwior at international level and has made no secret of his admiration for the defender’s talents.

Speaking after Kiwior made his senior debut for Poland in a match against the Netherlands, Lewandowski said: “The guy has great potential. 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.”

Kiwior is a natural centre-back but was deployed by Arteta as a makeshift left-back for much of last season. He also played in midfield during his time at Spezia, with his versatility likely to be a plus point for Milan if they can add him to their ranks in preparation for a renewed Serie A title challenge.