LONDON — Arsenal is accelerating efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, moving ahead of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur as the summer transfer window enters its final days.
The 23-year-old Ecuadorian international, who played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign, is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta views Hincapie as a crucial piece for defensive rotation and squad depth.
With the transfer deadline set for August 30, negotiations are ongoing between the clubs. Arsenal is hoping to negotiate a fee below Hincapie’s €60 million release clause, aiming to secure a deal in the region of €45–50 million.
Any move is likely contingent on the Gunners offloading current squad players to free up both financial resources and space in the team. Defender Jakub Kiwior is among those who could be sold to facilitate the transfer.
The push for Hincapie highlights Arsenal’s aggressive strategy in the transfer market as they continue to rebuild their squad to challenge on all fronts in the Premier League.
