Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié as they look to add a left-sided defender before the window closes. The Ecuador international has been tracked closely by the club’s recruitment team, with scouts watching him on numerous occasions.
The 23-year-old, already capped 46 times for his country, has a €60m (£52m) release clause, but Arsenal are hopeful a deal closer to £40m could be struck. Arsenal view Hincapie as an addition to the left side of the defence, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior set to make way.
Arsenal are also hopeful of raising additional funds for Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson all available for transfer. Porto are among those who have shown interest in Kiwior, while Zinchenko has also attracted enquiries.
Hincapié has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable young defenders. Comfortable across the back line, his speed and ability on the ball make him a natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. While he has often been used centrally, the left-footer also has the attributes to take on an overlapping full-back role – an option Arsenal currently lack in their squad.
Tottenham were previously mentioned as possible suitors, but sources insist Spurs are not actively pursuing the player. That leaves Arsenal with a clear opportunity to move for one of South America’s brightest defensive prospects, though the financial side remains the main obstacle.
After committing more than £200m on signings already this summer, the Gunners are focused on balancing the books before pushing ahead with further deals. If the exits can be finalised in time, Arsenal may yet have the resources to land Hincapié, who is understood to be keen on a move away from Leverkusen before the deadline.
