Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie before the deadline on Monday, but a deal may not be as straightforward as that after all.
The Ecuador international is poised to come in as a direct replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who has now sealed a loan move to FC Porto ahead of a permanent switch in 2026.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are looking to both grant Kiwior's wish for more game time elsewhere, whilst also ensuring that the Gunners are not left too exposed defensively in case one of William Saliba or Gabrial Magalhaes succumbs to injury at some point this season - which is a distinct possibility.
Arsenal's confirmed summer signings Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga £5m
Martin Zubimendi £60m
Christian Norgaard £15m
Noni Madueke £52m
Cristhian Mosquera £13m
Viktor Gyokeres £55m
Eberechi Eze £67.5m
Cristhian Mosquera helps to reinforce Arteta's options in this regard, but the young Spanish prospect is untested in England and would benefit from a more experienced partner of the highest calibre.
Hincapie played a key role under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen last term and was a member of their Bundesliga-winning side in 2023/2024 - a team that also went unbeaten all campaign until their loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Arsenal-Hincapie
The 23-year-old also offers versatility and can play in multiple defensive roles, with Arsenal believed to be closing in on a loan deal which includes an obligation to buy next year - similarly to Kiwior.
The Premier League title hopefuls appear determined to get Hincapie over the line with time running out, but according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, they face a late roadblock.
Arsenal talks for Piero Hincapie take late transfer twist
According to Mokbel, due to "concerns" over UEFA's squad coast ratio rule, Arsenal are working to sell players before finalising a deal for the defender.
In his piece for the BBC, Mokbel also reports that a successful move for Hincapie "hinges" on Berta getting players out of the door with Kiwior.
Of the names up for grabs at Arsenal, it is believed Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira could all leave the Emirates before Monday's deadline.
Zinchenko has attracted interest from Italy and Turkey, while Stuttgart were in talks for Vieira and Fulham have approached for Nelson - but the latter want to sign him on a straight loan and are reluctant to agree to any permanent deal conditions (BBC).