Chance for a Florian Wirtz swap? Xabi Alonso to raid Arsenal again

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Mar 2025 09:26 CDT
3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, according to a report.

The reigning Bundesliga champions have good memories of the last time they signed a player from Arsenal. In the summer of 2023, Leverkusen brought Granit Xhaka back to the Bundesliga, and he turned out to be a transformative signing.

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STATS

Jakub Kiwior

D (CL)

Arsenal

Jakub Kiwior

D (CL)

Arsenal

17

Games
0

Goals
2

Assists

The Switzerland international was nothing short outstanding for the Werkself as they jumped over their 'Neverkusen' shadow to claim their first Bundesliga title last season. Xhaka was crucial as Bayer did the domestic double without losing a single match.

Tuttomercatoweb now claims that Bayer boss Xabi Alonso, who looks set to stay for another season, is keen to snap up another Gunners star. The Italian outlet claims that perennial Serie A target Jakub Kiwior is the player who is attracting attention from Germany.

The Pole has failed to nail down a regular starting spot in North London and is linked with a departure from Arsenal seemingly every transfer window.

Kiwior to Leverkusen?

The report states that Kiwior wants to play more regularly and is exploring his options ahead of the summer. Leverkusen are among the clubs with an interest, although the former Spezia man is also expected to field interest from Italy again.

The 25-year-old is still under contract at Arsenal until 2028, putting the Gunners in a strong negotiating position. Nevertheless, it is claimed that he could be slightly cheaper than in previous windows when he was given a €25 million price tag.

This summer, Arsenal are said to be willing to consider offers for around €15m-€20m, but it is as yet unclear whether they will ultimately sanction his exit.

However, given that they may have to offload players to fund what is widely expected to be a record-breaking window, the chances of a move seem fairly high.

Leverkusen will lose Jonathan Tah this summer, while players like Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie will also have suitors, as they do every window. Indeed, the latter was seen as an alternative to Riccardo Calafiori by Arsenal last summer.

Doing business with Leverkusen could also boost Arsenal's chances of a future move for Florian Wirtz. The Gunners are among he clubs frequently linked with the German wonderkid, although the 21-year-old may stay for another year.