Andrea Berta - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie has entered a crucial stage, with sporting director Andrea Berta setting an internal deadline to finalise the transfer.
According to reports from reliable Arsenal insider HandofArsenal, Berta is determined to avoid drawn-out negotiations that could stretch into deadline day and leave the Gunners scrambling for alternatives as Jakub Kiwior edges closer to a move away. One source suggested the deadline to conclude talks could be as short as 48 hours.
Hincapie, 23, has long been admired by Arsenal and is understood to be keen on the switch to North London. Sources indicate a private agreement exists between the player and senior Leverkusen officials that would allow him to leave for less than his €60 million release clause, with Arsenal expected to push for a fee in the region of €50 million or slightly lower.
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Talks are continuing between the clubs, with a loan-plus-obligation-to-buy deal emerging as the preferred structure. Such an arrangement would allow the fee to be booked in the next financial year, easing pressure under profit and sustainability regulations.
Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie (Image credit: Getty Images)
Berta’s influence has proven decisive in negotiations. Once he made contact with the player’s camp, Hincapie rejected interest from other clubs, effectively forcing Leverkusen to engage only with Arsenal. The Ecuadorian international is said to be “fully sold” on Mikel Arteta’s project and has urged Leverkusen to handle talks with Arsenal reasonably.
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The urgency of the move is driven by Kiwior’s impending departure. The Polish defender is set to join Porto, with final details regarding add-ons close to agreement. While Arsenal also received a serious bid from Crystal Palace, Kiwior expressed a preference to move abroad. Berta has explored creative solutions that would link both transfers, potentially structuring them as loan-with-obligation deals to benefit each club’s financial reporting.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday that Hincapie has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal following direct conversations with Arteta. The deal would continue Arsenal’s proactive transfer strategy this summer, with Berta playing a central role in securing high-profile reinforcements.
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