Arsenal have improved their interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié. It was earlier reported that the German club are opening talks with the Bundesliga side as they look to strengthen their back line.
Softfootball now understands that the Gunners have formally approached Leverkusen, but the German club are standing by the 23-year-old’s €60 million release clause a figure Arsenal are reluctant to match. Instead, the North London side are exploring ways to strike a deal for less, with negotiations ongoing.
Hincapié, who has been closely monitored by Arsenal, is said to be eager for the move. German reporter Florian Plattenberg, via his official X handle, confirmed the situation, noting that Arsenal remains in talks and Hincapié is simply waiting for both clubs to reach an agreement. He also revealed that the Ecuadorian international has already expressed his desire to leave Leverkusen.
He tweeted:
“Arsenal are pushing to sign Piero #Hincapié, but Bayer 04 Leverkusen are currently insisting on the €60m release clause. Concrete negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with Arsenal aiming to pay less than the €60m. Hincapié wants the move to Arsenal and is waiting for an agreement.”
For Arsenal, the chase may depend on outgoings. Players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson and Jakub Kiwior could be moved on to help balance the books and free up space for new arrivals.
With Hincapié pushing for the switch and Arsenal determined to add defensive depth, this could be one of the defining sagas of their summer window.
