Arsenal reject £12m bid while Chelsea join Gunners in Sunderland transfer race
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The January transfer window looms large with incomings and outgoings rumoured at Arsenal.
Arsenal have rejected a £12 million bid from Napoli for defender Jakub Kiwior but that has not deterred interest from the Serie A giants as the January window looms large.
SportWitness carried reports of that opening bid earlier this week with the Gunners demanding an extra £8 million before green lighting any negotiations. However, it is now thought that Napoli are hopeful of prizing Kiwior away from the Emirates Stadium for a lower fee.
The report claims that Napoli's strong relationship with Kiwior and his agent could play a role in 'laying the foundations' for a more favourable discussion with Arsenal. It is thought that the player is keen on leaving London in favour of a new challenge.
Kiwior arrived at Arsenal in January 2023 for £20 million from Italian side Spezia. The defender has gone on to make 50 appearances for the club but has been afforded just 323 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, struggling for a regular starting spot.
The 24-year-old has started the last two league outings against Manchester United and Fulham but TBR Football claimed in November that he had told Arsenal about his desire to leave, with a return to Italy his preference.
Arsenal continue to monitor Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to be linked with transfer interest in Jobe Bellingham. The promising Sunderland midfielder is turning heads with the Championship and is predicted to be capable of following in his elder brother's footsteps.
TBR Football has reported on the latest longlist of clubs all said to be monitoring the 19-year-old. Arsenal are included alongside Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton and Brentford, as well as overseas interest from Real Madrid.
Sunderland are believed to be reluctant to sell their rising star in January but accept that a summer of transfer interest could be ahead, despite the player having only recently signed a contract extension at the Stadium of Light to stay until 2028.