Arsenal are intensifying their bid to sign Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié, with the London club pushing to get a deal over the line in the final week of the summer transfer window.
According to Transfer expert, David Ornstein, Arsenal are “on track to secure the transfer of Piero Hincapié”, after the 22-year-old informed Bayer Leverkusen last week of his desire to leave.
The Gunners, now operating under the guidance of new sporting director Andrea Berta, are seeking to negotiate a fee below Hincapié’s €60 million release clause, Berta’s approach has been clear: player exits must precede major arrivals.
“Before you get in, let them out. That’s the motto of Andrea Berta in this last week of the transfer window,” one report noted.
A deal for Jakub Kiwior, who is close to joining FC Porto, is expected to pave the way for Arsenal to formally move for Hincapié.
Long-Standing Interest
Arsenal’s admiration for the Ecuador international is nothing new, the club first explored a move two years ago but, constrained by finances, opted for a cheaper defensive alternative—ironically, Kiwior, who now looks set to depart after just 18 months in North London.
Hincapié’s versatility is a key attraction for Mikel Arteta. A left-footed centre-back who can also operate as a left-back in a back four or as part of a back three, he offers tactical flexibility and depth in a position Arsenal have long sought to strengthen.
Interest Across Europe
The Leverkusen defender has been one of the most sought-after names in Europe this summer, Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich made early enquiries but have not pushed aggressively.
In England, several of the “Big Six” have taken a closer look; Chelsea, facing defensive uncertainty following Levi Colwill’s injury, have included him on their shortlist, while Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly explored a loan move with an obligation to buy.
Despite the competition, Arsenal are now seen as frontrunners, with the player understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Bundesliga Proven
Since arriving from Argentine side Talleres in 2021, Hincapié has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable young defenders.
He has made 166 appearances for Leverkusen, becoming a central figure in Xabi Alonso’s treble-winning side last season, lifting the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Super Cup.
On the international stage, he has already earned 46 caps for Ecuador, playing a key role at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and in CONMEBOL’s ongoing World Cup qualifiers.
The Bigger Picture
For Arsenal, who are balancing Champions League ambitions with a domestic title challenge, defensive reinforcements are crucial, the inconsistency of other defensive options have reinforced the need for another top-class centre-back.
If Arsenal can finalise Kiwior’s departure and reach an agreement with Leverkusen, Hincapié could become the club’s seventh major signing of the summer window—a move that signals both short-term ambition and long-term planning at the Emirates.