Arsenal are now set to bid for a £52m player, who is being targeted as a direct replacement for a wantaway star, according to a reporter.
Gunners keen on another defender before deadline
The Gunners have already made major improvements to their squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta mainly setting out to bolster his attacking options, although Cristhian Mosquera was also brought in as a back-up to William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back.
However, having now gotten the deal for Eberechi Eze over the line, with Andrea Berta orchestrating a stunning hijack of Tottenham Hotspur's deal, the north Londoners now appear to have turned their attentions towards strengthening their defence.
A late move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has been discussed, although Liverpool looks like a more likely destination, given that the Englishman has reservations about playing second fiddle to Gabriel and Saliba.
As such, Arteta's side have now moved on to alternative targets, and another sensational hijack could be on the cards, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing Arsenal are now "set to bid" for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
On Monday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham have made a "new proposal" for Hincapie, with discussions over personal terms underway, but the Gunners have also entered the race, and Jacobs believes the Ecuadorian "favours" a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Berta is targeting the 23-year-old as a replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who wants to leave this summer, with a move to FC Porto on the cards, but the Gunners may have to spend big once again, as there is a €60m (£52m) release clause in the Leverkusen star's contract.
Hincapie could be "perfect" signing for Arsenal
Scout Ben Mattinson has previously suggested the Leverkusen defender could be the "perfect" addition to Arteta's squad, given that he is capable of playing at both left-back and left centre-back, which makes him a similar type of player to Kiwior.
The Poland international has also featured at left-back regularly throughout his career, and he clearly impressed Arteta last season, with the Arsenal boss dubbing the 25-year-old as "exceptional."
Frimpong-Hincapie-Leverkusen
However, with the defender eager to leave, there is no point standing in his way, particularly considering Hincapie could be an ideal replacement, having already racked up a considerable amount of experience at Leverkusen, making 166 appearances for the German club.
While obviously not their primary objective, it would also be fantastic for Arsenal to get another one over on their north London rivals, having already hijacked the move for Eze, who enjoyed a very impressive campaign with Palace last season.
Competition Appearances Goal contributions
Premier League 34 16
FA Cup 5 5
EFL Cup 4 4