Arsenal in pole position to seal €60m deal as rivals face brutal blow - reports
Arsenal are pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie before the summer window closes, according to reports from The Athletic.
The Ecuador international is tied to a long-term deal until June 2029, but he has made it clear that he wants to leave.
Leverkusen prefer to keep the 23-year-old unless his release clause, believed to be €60 million, is triggered. Talks are ongoing to agree on a fee closer to market value.
Player wants Arsenal move despite rival interest
Hincapie has expressed a desire to join Arsenal if they can create space in the squad. The north London club are ready to act once player exits are confirmed.
Jakub Kiwior is attracting interest from Porto, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira could also leave.
Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the defender. Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs have already tabled a loan proposal with an obligation to buy.
The Ecuadorian left the pitch emotional after Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim at the weekend, fuelling speculation about his future.
He has featured in both of Leverkusen’s opening games this season.
Why Arsenal want Hincapie
Hincapie is a left-footed defender who can play as a centre-back or at left-back. His versatility has placed him high on Arsenal’s list of defensive targets.
The Gunners have followed him for some time, seeing him as an option to strengthen their back line.
He joined Leverkusen from Argentine club Talleres in 2021 and has become one of Europe’s rising talents.
Since moving to Germany, he has made 166 appearances for Leverkusen and has earned 46 caps for Ecuador.
The 23-year-old is quick and aggressive, with excellent recovery speed that allows him to defend high lines effectively.
He is strong in one-on-one situations and comfortable covering wide areas.
While his technique and tactical awareness are impressive, he needs to work on decision-making and avoid unnecessary risks in defence.
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