AC Milan closing in on €18m deal for Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior

AC Milan are reportedly close to reaching an agreement for the transfer of Spezia centre-back Jakub Kiwior.

Foot Mercato reports that Rossoneri are on the verge of agreeing a deal worth €18 million with Spezia, while the talks are also advancing well with Kiwior’s entourage over personal terms.

The Polish centre-back moved to Spezia in the summer of 2021, helping the Italian minnows survive relegation and finish 16th in Serie A last season.

Not only did his impressive performances lead to his senior debut with Poland earlier this year, but he also attracted interest from Premier League club West Ham United during the summer transfer window. However, he eventually declined the offer.

Milan have been working on the Kiwior’s deal for a while now. They obtained the right to refusal for the 22-year-old when Mattia Caldara moved from San Siro to Spezia on loan.

Kiwior has been summoned for September’s Nations League games and is likely to sustain his place in the Polish national team for the upcoming World Cup.

Kiwior’s addition would be a much-needed one for Milan’s defence, which has looked far from ideal this season.

Stefano Pioli’s secret to the Scudetto triumph last term was the resolute defence, but that hasn’t been the case this term, with Milan defenders tending to make more errors. The struggles are highlighted by the stats that Rossoneri have conceded ten goals in nine games this season, managing only two clean sheets.

Milan are also reportedly working on the contract extension of Pierre Kalulu, who has become a key player for Pioli in the defence alongside Three Lions international Fikayo Tomori.