Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign defender Piero Hincapie from the German side.
Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his squad with another defensive additions and negotiations have started with Leverkusen over a potential deal. Hincapie has a release clause of €60m (£51.9m) in his contract but Arsenal are optimistic of negotiating a lower fee.
The Ecuador international, who can operate at centre-back and left-back, has informed Leverkusen of his desire to leave.
The Athletic are reporting that Hincapie is prioritising a move to Arsenal despite interest from rival clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur among those credited with an interest.
Hincapie formed part of the Bayer Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga unbeaten in 2023/24 and has impressed with his progressive play.
Last season, the 23-year-old ranked among the Bundesliga’s top 10 players for touches and progressive carrying distance. He is keen on a new challenge amid a summer of upheaval at Leverkusen, who have seen Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Amine Adli leave for Premier League clubs.
Arsenal have made an approach for Hincapie amid the expectation that Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zincheno will depart before the September 1st deadline. The former is subject of an approach from FC Porto, while there is interest in Zinchenko from Turkey.
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