Transfer Centre

Juventus 'showing interest' in versatile Arsenal defender

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 June 2024

Newly-appointed Juventus head coach Thiago Motta is reportedly eager to sign an Arsenal defender during the summer transfer window.

Juventus have reportedly identified an Arsenal defender as a top summer transfer target.

The Italian giants have just enjoyed a solid campaign under Massimiliano Allegri, earning third spot in Serie A to secure a return to the Champions League.

However, Allegri has since been sacked and replaced by Thiago Motta, who has departed Bologna having guided them to their first-ever appearance in the same competition.

As a result, Juventus are now attempting to be proactive in their efforts to acquire new talent, reports indicating that an elaborate part-exchange deal is in the works to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Nevertheless, there is a desire to strengthen in all areas of the pitch, and it appears that Motta is prepared to try to reunite with a familiar face.

Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior reacts in August 2023 © Reuters

Motta keen to bring Kiwior to Juventus

According to Tuttojuve, Juventus have emerged as the latest Italian side to become interested in tempting Jakub Kiwior back to the country.

The Poland international spent 18 months with Spezia between July 2021 and January 2023, making 39 appearances in Serie A across that period.

Kiwior's performances subsequently earned him a transfer to the Gunners, yet he has not always been regarded as a first-choice option by Mikel Arteta.

A total of 24 starts and 14 substitute outings have come in all competitions, although the 24-year-old did spend a period during 2023-24 where he made a number of consecutive appearances at left-back.

Over the last nine fixtures, though, Kiwior would start just one Premier League fixture and remain as an unused substitute in six other games.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring their first goal with Jakub Kiwior on April 20, 2024 © Reuters

Is a transfer to Juventus realistic?

With Kiwior still having four years remaining on his contract, Arsenal are in a position where they could retain his services with minimal fuss.

Nevertheless, if they are presented with the opportunity to make a profit on the £21m that they shelled out at the start of 2023, there could be a temptation to sell.

From the player's perspective, he may wish to work under Motta again should he be informed that he would have an important part to play for Juventus.

There were times during his stint with Spezia when Kiwior was deployed as a defensive-minded midfielder, and his versatility would undoubtedly benefit both sides during a hectic schedule next season.