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17 hours ago
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Juventus have identified Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior as a potential replacement for Lloyd Kelly if the Englishman leaves the club this summer, Sporting News understands.
The Serie A giants are weighing up a move for Kiwior, who has attracted interest from several European clubs in recent months.
Kelly joined Juventus from Newcastle in January on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £14.7 million ($18.7m).
He had joined Newcastle only the previous summer on a free transfer from Bournemouth and made just 10 appearances before making the switch to Italy.
Kiwior, 25, signed for Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023 for a fee of £20 million ($25.5m).
The Poland international has struggled to cement a regular starting place in Mikel Arteta's side, making just 10 Premier League starts last season.
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Porto attempted to sign Kiwior earlier this summer but dropped their interest after Arsenal made it clear they would only consider offers in the region of £26 million ($33.2m).
Despite the limited game time, Arteta is understood to be keen to keep Kiwior, who is valued for his versatility across the backline.
The Arsenal boss publicly praised the defender in May following a run of games that came while Gabriel Magalhaes was sidelined with a hamstring issue.
"He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months, and suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents," Arteta said.
"I think he’s been exceptional."
With Gabriel yet to feature in pre-season, Kiwior is expected to start alongside William Saliba in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on 17 August.
Who else could leave Arsenal this summer?
Elsewhere, midfielder Fabio Vieira is in talks with Bundesliga side Stuttgart over a permanent move.
The 25-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Emirates after an underwhelming three-year spell.
Signed from Porto for £30 million ($38.3m), he made 49 appearances and returned to his boyhood club on loan last season.
His departure would clear further space in midfield, especially following the rise of teenager Ethan Nwaneri, who has impressed Arteta and the coaching staff.
Reiss Nelson is also in talks over a potential return to Fulham.
The 24-year-old winger has struggled for regular playing time at Arsenal and could leave the club permanently if a deal is agreed.
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