Arsenal could sign a new central defender before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners have made seven signings this summer, and there could be one more acquisition.
Arsenal are holding talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapie. If the club can reach an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit, they are open to parting ways with Jakub Kiwior.
Earlier today, Porto made a proposal to sign Kiwior on loan with an obligation to buy for €26 million, but Arsenal have sent a counter-offer and hope to receive €30m, as per Luca Bendoni (via HandofArsenal).
Sporting director Andrea Berta only plans to sanction Kiwior’s exit if a deal is agreed for Hincapie.
Leverkusen are pointing to the player’s €60m release clause, but Arsenal want to sign him for less.
Arsenal right to hold out for higher fee for Kiwior
The Gunners signed Kiwior from Spezia for €20 million in January 2023. He was a relatively unknown on the big stage and was prone to making positional errors. He struggled with his physicality too.
However, he has shown significant improvement over the past two and a half years. The Poland international was brilliant alongside William Saliba in the final months of last season after Gabriel’s injury.
The 25-year-old stood out with his performances and outshone Saliba, who made unforced defensive errors against the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Kiwior has dropped back to the bench this campaign with Gabriel back to full fitness. He is now poised to pursue a new challenge, given his desire to play regular first-team football in his prime.
Despite receiving several offers, Kiwior has his sights on joining Porto. Arsenal have asked for a higher package than what was proposed. With the small margin (€4m), terms could be finalised soon.
However, a transfer ultimately depends on what happens in the club’s pursuit of Hincapie.
Arsenal are likely to negotiate a loan with a buy obligation for the Ecuadorian. The defender has asked to leave for €45m, which is probably the figure Arsenal want to pay for the 23-year-old.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can seal the deal for the former Bundesliga winner.