Arsenal have escalated their efforts to secure the signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Arsenal Intensify Push to Sign Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie
While concrete discussions between the two clubs are now underway, negotiations remain complex due to a significant gap in valuation.
The Bundesliga club is holding firm on their demand for a fee matching the €60 million release clause in the Ecuadorian’s contract. Leverkusen officials are using this figure as their non-negotiable benchmark for any transfer.
Arsenal, however, are pushing to agree on a deal structured below that initial asking price and are working to find flexibility in the payment terms.
The 22-year-old centre-back is understood to be eager for the move and has already given his personal approval to join the North London club.
Hincapie views the Premier League as the ideal next step in his career after a successful period in Germany, where he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic league title win under Xabi Alonso last season.
For manager Mikel Arteta, Hincapie represents a perfect tactical fit. His left-footedness and versatility to play both as a central defender and a left-back align perfectly with Arteta’s system.
Arsenal see him not merely as squad depth but as a player who can immediately challenge for a starting position.
The need for defensive reinforcement is heightened by the potential departure of Jakub Kiwior, who has been linked with a move to FC Porto.
With both clubs keen to find a resolution before the transfer window closes, there is growing optimism that a breakthrough can be achieved, despite the current financial stalemate.
