"It's a shame..." - Transfer expert outlines how Arsenal were able to beat rivals to January signing

Sky Sports journalist Gianluca di Marzio outlined how Arsenal were able to beat rivals to the signing of Jakub Kiwior.

The Gunners endured a frustrating transfer window, missing out on their two primary targets Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo.

Nevertheless, MIkel Arteta still managed to bring in three additions in January to consolidate their position at the summit of the Premier League table.

Arsenal kicked off their winter spending by signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton, before bringing in Poland international Kiwior and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

Indeed, the signing of Kiwior took much of the football world by surprise, with Arsenal’s interest and subsequent approach having been kept well under wraps.

Di Marzio outlines Arsenal’s Kiwior approach

Sky Sports Italy’s transfer guru Di Marzio detailed how Arsenal were able to beat several of Serie A’s biggest clubs to the signing of Kiwior.

Speaking on Meczyki's Youtube channel the journalist explained: "It was inevitable. If someone plays as well as he does, he'll eventually leave.

“It's a shame because the first teams to try to get him were Milan, Juve and Napoli. However, they all preferred to do the transfer in June, when they'd have had more liquidity.

"Arsenal were able to act concretely and get ahead of the competition by putting €25 million on the table in January and bringing him in.

“Respect to them. That's the kind of offer you don't turn down. Good luck to the lad".

According to the Athletic, Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar, made initial contact with Spezia and the player’s camp in December.

Kiwior’s agent was subsequently invited to London Colney for further talks.

The deal caught many fans by surprise after Arsenal and the player entered into a gentlemen’s agreement to keep things quiet.