Arsenal could be set to have a major impact on Manchester City’s outgoings before the summer transfer window closes. The Gunners are in the heart of a rebuild themselves, and Mikel Arteta is keen to welcome at least one more new signing to his squad before the transfer window closes.
Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi have all arrived at the Emirates Stadium for significant fees, whilst Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard have put pen to paper with Arsenal as well.
Another signing out wide is not being ruled out, though the Gunners remain focused on bringing in a left-sided defender as their priority. Arsenal are keen to offload Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko over the coming days, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie has been shortlisted as their top target to replace the duo.
Tottenham were previously in talks to sign the defender, but the Gunners have pounced to hijack the move and put themselves in pole position to secure his signature – which may have implications for City.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leverkusen will look to replace Hincapie if he departs, and Manuel Akanji is high on their shortlist of options. The Swiss defender has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray recently, but he is yet to approve of the switch.
The Turkish side have a £15million agreement in place to acquire his services, which Leverkusen could easily match if Hincapie departs – especially as they are not willing to sell the Ecuador international unless his £52m release clause is activated.
With FC Porto stepping up their pursuit of Kiwior and tabling a second bid for the Poland international, a loan offer with a buyout clause worth in the region of £21m, Arsenal may look to accelerate their pursuit of Hincapie – with the player close to agreeing on personal terms with the club after being convinced by Arteta’s project. City will also be hoping that the dominos start to fall so that they can assess their defensive options if Akanji leaves.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with making a late move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, though Liverpool are in pole position to acquire his services if the England international leaves Selhurst Park.