Fabrizio Romano has delivered the clearest signal yet that Piero Hincapie is heading to Arsenal. The Bayer Leverkusen defender has said yes, with personal terms agreed on a long-term deal. Arsenal now prepare an opening proposal structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. That approach protects flexibility while securing a high-value, left-footed defender for Mikel Arteta.
🚨🔴⚪️ Piero Hincapié has said yes to Arsenal and personal terms have been agreed, long term deal ready!
Understand Hincapié favors #AFC and also seen as ideal signing by Arteta.
Arsenal prepare opening bid, likely loan + obligation to buy… with Kiwior to FC Porto, soon. 🔄👀 pic.twitter.com/sLouOyh4Jx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2025
There was report that the Gunners have an agreement in principle in place as they beat the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham to his signatures yesterday. And Romano has come up with another uodate towards our article yesterday.
Personal terms agreed as Arsenal prepare bid for Piero Hincapie
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Hincapie prefers Arsenal and, crucially, Arteta views him as an ideal fit on the left side of defence. The club will move quickly; however, progress still depends on nailing down the club-to-club agreement with Leverkusen.
The plan, as briefed, is clear: advance the loan-plus-obligation framework, align on add-ons, and lock the timeline. Consequently, the deal can be finalised without compromising Arsenal’s wider squad strategy.
Kiwior to Porto opens the door
Meanwhile, Jakub Kiwior’s expected move to FC Porto remains a key domino. Once that exit is green-lit, Arsenal can accelerate Hincapie’s arrival. The sequence matters because Arteta wants two deep in every role without bloating numbers.
Kiwior has been a reliable deputy; however, Arsenal want a natural left-footer who can play both centre-back and left-back at elite tempo. As a result, Hincapie’s versatility and recovery pace tick the priority boxes.
Why Hincapie fits Arteta’s back line
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Under Arteta, the left centre-back often steps into midfield, sustains pressure, and guards the channel against transitions. Hincapie is comfortable carrying the ball, breaking the line with diagonals, and defending large spaces one-v-one.
Alongside William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, he adds balance and optionality. Furthermore, his profile allows Arsenal to maintain a left-footed outlet without overloading full-back minutes onto Riccardo Calafiori in the early months.
What remains before the finish line
Arsenal must agree final terms with Leverkusen and sequence the Kiwior exit. Incentives, payment cadence, and obligation triggers will define the pace. Even so, with the player in full agreement, the pathway is set.
This is the kind of smart, surgical business Andrea Berta was hired to deliver. If all pieces fall into place, Arsenal will land a defender tailored to Arteta’s system while keeping the squad lean and ready for the title race.
Related Items:Bayer Leverkusen, Fabrizio Romano, FC Porto, Latest Jakub Kiwior News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Piero Hincapie
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