According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to land Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, though negotiations remain complex due to the German club’s firm stance on his release clause.
Leverkusen currently point to the €60 million release clause in Hincapie’s contract and are using it as their benchmark in talks.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are seeking to strike a deal below that figure and are pushing for flexibility in the final fee structure.
Concrete discussions between the two clubs are already underway, with both sides keen to find a resolution before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal to continue their spending spree this summer
Mikel Arteta has made several signings this summer and strengthened the squad in all the position.
He has been backed heavily by the club owners to make changes to the squad in order to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.
For Arsenal, Hincapie is seen as a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. The Ecuador international is left-footed, comfortable playing both at centre-back and as a left-back.
Hincapie himself is understood to be eager to complete the move. Plettenberg reports that the player has already given his approval to joining Arsenal and is waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement.
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Piero Hincapie has his heart set on a move to Arsenal
Pierro Hincapie of Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
His preference is clear, with the Premier League viewed as the ideal next step in his development after a successful spell in the Bundesliga, where he helped Leverkusen to their historic league title under Xabi Alonso.
With Jakub Kiwior linked with a potential move to FC Porto, Arsenal are keen to ensure they have sufficient cover across the backline. Arteta is said to view Hincapie not just as additional depth, but as a player who can immediately compete…
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