Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has shed light on his decision to leave the Emirates this summer, admitting that he had to push for a move in search of regular first-team football.

The Polish international, who joined FC Porto on loan, has made an instant impact in Portugal — helping his new side remain unbeaten and yet to concede in four league matches since his arrival.

The 25-year-old remains under contract with Arsenal, but Porto hold a £23 million obligation to buy at the end of the loan spell.

Having featured for the full 90 minutes in all of Porto’s Liga Portugal fixtures so far, Kiwior has quickly established himself as a defensive leader under Sérgio Conceição.

Kiwior explains why he left Arsenal

Speaking to Polish outlet TVP Sport, Kiwior revealed that his exit from Arsenal was far from a club decision.

Contrary to reports suggesting he was surplus to requirements, the defender insisted that Mikel Arteta and the club hierarchy wanted him to stay.

“I laughed at those stories because it was exactly the opposite,” he explained. “The club didn’t want to let me go and it took a long time for them to agree to the transfer. I was valued there; no one wanted to get rid of me. Arteta didn’t want me to leave for Portugal either, so I never felt unwanted.”

The Poland international went on to clarify that the move was driven entirely by his desire for more playing time. “The decision to leave was entirely mine,” Kiwior continued. “I wanted to play, but with Gabriel and Saliba ahead of me, the chances were small.”

Arsenal’s defensive depth and future implications

Kiwior’s departure came shortly after Arsenal signed Cristhian Mosquera from Villarreal for £13 million, a move that bolstered the club’s defensive options.

Though Kiwior had been a useful squad player — stepping in for Gabriel Magalhães during the final stretch of last season — the competition for places made regular appearances unlikely.

Mikel Arteta had reportedly hoped to retain Kiwior as cover across the back line, given his versatility and composure on the ball.

However, the player’s determination to play consistently meant Arsenal ultimately agreed to the loan deal with Porto, who are already benefiting from his presence.

A fresh start in Portugal

For Kiwior, the early signs at Porto suggest the decision was the right one. The defender’s performances have drawn praise in Portugal, with his calmness, positioning, and passing from the back fitting seamlessly into Conceição’s system.

If his current form continues, Porto’s obligation to buy looks increasingly likely to be triggered — potentially marking the end of Kiwior’s brief but respectable spell in north London.

Still, his words reflect mutual respect between player and club, as well as Arteta’s appreciation for his professionalism.

While Arsenal focus on their Premier League campaign, Kiwior’s success abroad may yet serve as a reminder of the talent that slipped through the cracks — a player who simply refused to settle for the bench.