Piero Hincapie
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s record-breaking summer spending spree shows no signs of slowing down as the club steps up its pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The Gunners have already invested more than £250 million on seven new signings in a bid to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title. Their early-season form has matched the ambition, with Mikel Arteta’s side taking maximum points from their opening two fixtures.
A narrow 1-0 win away at Manchester United was followed by a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Leeds United at the Emirates, where new arrival Eberechi Eze was officially unveiled.
Summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a dream home debut against Leeds, netting twice, while 15-year-old academy prodigy Max Dowman etched his name into club history as one of Arsenal’s youngest-ever Premier League debutants.
READ MORE: FA considering huge call on Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman after Premier League debut
Focus now shifts to Sunday’s mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash at Anfield against reigning champions Liverpool. But while preparations intensify on the pitch, Arsenal’s hierarchy continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes in the transfer market.
Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hincapie has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and given his commitment to a long-term contract. However, Bayer Leverkusen are standing firm on their valuation, insisting the 23-year-old will not be sold for less than his €60 million (£51.8m) release clause.
German outlets Kicker and Bild report that Leverkusen are “unwilling and unable” to sanction a sale below that figure, conscious of the backlash they would face from supporters if Hincapie were allowed to leave on the cheap. The Ecuadorian international, a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s double-winning side under Xabi Alonso last season, remains highly sought after, with Tottenham also credited with interest.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Arsenal are believed to be exploring a compromise, potentially structuring a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy Hincapie for €60m in the next financial year. But Leverkusen hold a strong hand in negotiations, with the defender having signed a contract extension last December that runs until 2029.
Hincapie is understood to be eager for the move and has already informed Leverkusen of his desire to leave before the transfer window closes. The centre-back was visibly emotional after Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday, with reports claiming he left the pitch in tears.
With just days remaining in the window, Arsenal must decide whether to meet Leverkusen’s demands or risk missing out on one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
NEXT ARTICLE: Norway drops huge Martin Odegaard injury update ahead of international break