Arsenal Set Sights on Piero Hincapié in Surprising Transfer Move
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to hijack another high-profile transfer that had previously been linked to their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners have entered negotiations to sign Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old has made it clear that he wants a move away from Germany this summer and has prioritized a switch to Arsenal over joining Spurs. Talks suggest that the Premier League club is exploring ways to secure the talented defender for a fee below his €60 million release clause.
The potential deal, which could be valued between £51.9 million and £60 million, would see Hincapié join the Gunners on a long-term contract running until June 2029. Known for his versatility, the Ecuadorian can operate both as a left-sided centre-back and as a left-back, giving Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility to bolster his defensive options. Hincapié’s combination of speed, technical ability, and aggressive dueling has impressed Arsenal’s recruitment team, making him an ideal candidate to strengthen a squad that is seeking both depth and experience in defence.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Hincapié depends on their ability to offload several players before the close of the summer transfer window. Names such as Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson are reportedly being considered for potential departures to free up squad space and funding for the Ecuadorian’s arrival. Despite Leverkusen’s desire to retain the player until 2029, Hincapié has openly expressed his wish to leave, which has prompted the German club to consider negotiations below the full release clause. His emotional display following Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim over the weekend has further highlighted his readiness for a new challenge.
Hincapié has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders since joining Leverkusen from Argentine side CA Talleres in 2021. Over four seasons in Germany, he has made 166 appearances for the Bundesliga side and earned 46 caps for the Ecuadorian national team. His performances, particularly at the 2021 Copa America, accelerated Leverkusen’s plans to sign him, recognizing that his talent would quickly attract interest from top European clubs. A versatile and technically proficient defender, Hincapié can play as part of a back three, as a wing-back, or in his primary role at left centre-back.
Leverkusen have already experienced significant departures this summer, losing key players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka, and Jonathan Tah, along with former coach Xabi Alonso. Despite these exits, Hincapié has remained a cornerstone of their defensive line, contributing significantly to the team’s unbeaten run in the Bundesliga during the 2023-24 season and their domestic cup triumph. With Arsenal ready to make a move, the transfer could mark another major step in the Gunners’ efforts to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level in the Premier League.
