Ornstein: Arsenal Look To Beat Spurs To Another Transfer After Eze | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Piero Hincapie as Transfer Window Closes

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, provided they can move players out before the summer transfer window shuts. The Ecuadorian defender has informed the Bundesliga club of his desire to leave, despite being under contract until June 2029.

“They would prefer to keep the 23-year-old unless a €60million release clause in his terms is activated, although efforts are being made to lower that fee to a more realistic market value.” Arsenal remain optimistic, knowing Hincapie’s preference is to join them, and the club are ready to push if player departures materialise. His emotional reaction following Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday only intensified speculation.

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Why Arsenal Want Hincapie

Arsenal’s recent dominant win still exposed defensive gaps, and the recruitment of a left-sided centre-back appears a priority. Jakub Kiwior is being linked with a move to FC Porto, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are among those who could also leave.

“Hincapie normally operate as a left centre-back but can also be deployed at left-back,” and his versatility is key. Having joined Leverkusen from CA Talleres in 2021, he has since made 166 appearances for the German club and earned 46 caps for Ecuador. Arsenal have monitored him for some time, and his technical ability fits Mikel Arteta’s system.

Proven Success in Germany

Hincapie has been one of Europe’s most promising defenders. He was integral to Leverkusen’s historic 2023-24 campaign, where they went unbeaten in the Bundesliga, lifted the DFB-Pokal and reached the Europa League final. “A versatile, technical and aggressive left-sided defender, who can play on the outside of a back-three, or even as a wing-back,” was how he was described in The Athletic’s analysis.

With Leverkusen already losing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah, the pressure is mounting to keep their remaining stars. Yet Hincapie’s ambition to play in the Premier League could prove decisive.

Departure Looming?

Whether Arsenal trigger the €60m release clause or negotiate a lower price, time is running short. This potential signing would add quality and depth to Arsenal’s backline as they push for major honours this season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report will have Arsenal fans buzzing with excitement. A 23-year-old defender who helped Bayer Leverkusen dominate Germany last season is a massive upgrade in terms of technical ability and tactical flexibility. Fans will point to his ability to cover multiple positions as a reason why this could be one of the smartest deals of the summer.

However, some will be sceptical about the €60m price tag. Is Arsenal ready to commit such an amount so late in the window? Others will express concern about outgoings, as moving players like Zinchenko or Kiwior could be tricky under time pressure.

Still, the mood among the fanbase seems expectant. Hincapie represents the type of signing that signals ambition. If Arteta wants his side to stay in the title conversation, adding defensive steel without sacrificing build-up quality is critical. Expect plenty of noise as this deal heads into the final days.