Arsenal are now preparing an opening bid for a "quick" star, who has agreed personal terms on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Berta has work to do before transfer deadline
It has undoubtedly been a fantastic summer transfer window for Arsenal, with Andrea Berta strengthening the squad significantly, and the recent hijack of Tottenham Hotspur's move for Eberechi Eze was the icing on the cake.
However, the sporting director still has work to do before the September 1st deadline, considering there may well be some departures before then, with Fabrizio Romano revealing FC Porto are set to make an offer for Jakub Kiwior.
On Monday, it was revealed that another stunning hijack could be on the cards, with Berta lining up a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie, who is also of interest to Tottenham, and there has now been a promising further development.
Taking to X, Romano has revealed that Arsenal are now preparing an opening bid for Hincapie, who has already "said yes" to signing for the Gunners, with personal terms agreed and a long-term deal ready.
Mikel Arteta views the defender as an "ideal signing", and the deal is now looking increasingly likely, as the Ecuadorian favours a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The deal is likely to be an initial loan, which would include an obligation to buy, with the defender being brought in as a direct replacement for Kiwior, who is set to move to FC Porto "soon".
"Quick" Hincapie could be perfect Kiwior replacement
Arsenal-supporting scout Ben Mattinson has given an overview of the Ecuador international's abilities in the past, and makes the suggestion that he could be a perfect fit in an Arteta system.
At 23-years-old, the centre-back is at a good age to be a long-term successor to Kiwior, and he is clearly a forward-thinking defender, having performed well across some key metrics over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90
Progressive passes 4.86 (86th percentile)
Progressive carries 1.65 (95th percentile)
Touches (Att pen) 1.57 (94th percentile)
Hincapie is clearly an archetypal modern-day centre-back, and his versatility is an added bonus, with the Leverkusen defender also comfortable at left-back, so it would be fantastic if Arsenal were able to get a deal, which is expected to amount to £52m, over the line.