Piero Hincapie is pushing to leave Bayer Leverkusen for less than his €60m (£52m) release clause. Arsenal are currently in direct talks with the German club with a package closer to €50m (£43m) being discussed. The Gunners' preference is a loan with an obligation formula, but a permanent move has not been discounted.
On Wednesday, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said no "official offer" had been received from any admirers, but Arsenal are already talking numbers ahead of placing a bid.
Although Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest in Hincapie as well, and held talks on the player side, sources deny an offer was ever lodged.
Hincapie Indicates He is Eager to Seal Switch
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Ecuador international Hincapie only signed a new contract at Leverkusen in December, keeping him at the club until 2029, but sources tell GMS the 23-year-old was given assurances when he signed that he could leave for less than his release clause.
GMS has learned there is an understanding between Leverkusen and Hincapie that offers of around €50m will be given due consideration.
Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro will ultimately decide whether to sign off a sale. The club's preference is to keep the central defender, but the Bundesliga side understand the player's desire to leave.
Arsenal are hoping for an agreement before the weekend, allowing them time to then work on outgoings. Jakub Kiwior is close to joining Porto on loan with an obligation to buy worth around €26m.
Kiwior has agreed to the move, preferring to leave the Premier League despite interest from Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal have delayed finalising a club-to-club agreement since they want to land Hincapie first before sanctioning Kiwior's exit.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could also depart before the window closes, although nothing is imminent as it stands. Reiss Nelson is in talks with Crystal Palace, who are prepared to pay around £15m. Fabio Vieira could be the subject of late-window interest and is another name Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ideally looking to sell.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 28/08/2025
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