Arsenal’s summer spending spree may not be over just yet. Despite splashing close to £250 million on reinforcements, Mikel Arteta is still pushing for one final addition before the transfer window slams shut — and it could be a player the Gunners have admired for years.
Reliable journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms with Piero Hincapie, the highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender, as talks continue ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Arsenal’s Long-Term Interest in Hincapie
The 23-year-old Ecuadorian has been on Arsenal’s radar for several seasons, with scouts tracking his progress since breaking through in the Bundesliga. Ornstein explained on NBC Sports:
“He’s a player that Arsenal have had high on their recruitment agenda for quite some years now, and they’re looking at him. It’s a player they would like to sign, and they’re working on the situation ahead of the Monday transfer deadline. What is key here is a €60 million release clause in his Leverkusen contract, but efforts are being made to provide a more realistic market price for him to move to the Emirates Stadium.”
That clause remains the sticking point, though Arsenal hope to negotiate a lower fee to secure his services.
Xabi Alonso’s Take: A ‘Modern Defender’
Hincapie’s former manager, Xabi Alonso, has already praised the versatile defender in glowing terms — comments that perfectly align with Arteta’s demands for adaptable players.
Alonso said:
“I think he’s a very modern defender. He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back, but has also been the left centre-back when we’ve played with a back three. He’s aggressive, is making better decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind. It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him. He’s a great player.”
Why Hincapie Fits Arteta’s Plans
Arteta has already shown a preference for hybrid centre-backs capable of slotting into multiple systems, with players like Ben White and Jurrien Timber excelling under his watch. Hincapie’s blend of aggression, ball-playing ability, and positional versatility makes him an ideal fit.
Fabrizio also confirm
Personal terms being agreed is a huge step, but whether Arsenal meet Leverkusen’s demands will decide if this deal gets over the line before deadline day.
