Arsenal are looking to complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, with personal terms being agreed with the defensive star - and now the Gunners are in 'direct talks' with the German outfit to secure a move for Mikel Arteta.
Hincapie has massively impressed during his time in Europe, winning three major honours at the BayArena, as well as being named in Kicker's Bundesliga Team of the Season last time out. That has seen his stock rise - and now director Andrea Berta could look to take full advantage of his form by making a move to bring the 'elite' star to the Emirates Stadium.
Report: Arsenal 'In Direct Talks' for Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
The report by Fabrizio Romano states that Arsenal are in 'direct talks' with Leverkusen for Hincapie's signature, with personal terms being agreed for the Ecuadorian star.
Arsenal, however, have a preference for a 'loan with obligation' deal, and so any move will depend upon whether the structure is approved by Leverkusen chiefs or not. If a deal can be done for the young centre-back, that could also see Polish star Jakub Kiwior join Porto in a real transfer carousel at the Emirates Stadium.
Initial reports surrounding Hincapie's future saw him linked with Tottenham Hotspur, with the club keen on a left-sided defender to challenge Van de Ven for minutes, especially with the Premier League and Champions League schedules coming thick and fast for Thomas Frank's men over the coming months.
Spurs suffered massively with injuries last season, especially at centre-back, where Archie Gray played for a number of games. That marked a poor run of form under Ange Postecoglou, which effectively saw them flounder in the Premier League and contributed massively to their seventeenth-placed finish.
But just like their deal for Eberechi Eze, Arsenal could look to inflict pain upon their north London rivals with a late hijack, and with personal terms being agreed, Hincapie could follow the England star's path by making the journey to the red half of the capital.
Hincapie joined Leverkusen in 2021, and instantly walked into their starting XI. He's made 166 appearances for the Bundesliga giants in all competitions, an incredible record at the age of just 23, as well as being a key part of Ecuador's national team. A Premier League move - as well as featuring in the Champions League - could be the next step in his career if he can dislodge William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes from their places in the team.
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