Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen if they can facilitate player departures before the transfer window closes, with the defender requesting to leave Germany.
Hincapie has informed Leverkusen of his desire to depart despite being under contract until June 2029. The 23-year-old Ecuador international\'s preference is to join Arsenal, and the Premier League club are ready to pursue him should squad exits materialize.
Leverkusen would prefer to retain Hincapie unless his $81 million release clause is activated. However, efforts are being made to negotiate a lower fee closer to realistic market value. The defender appeared emotional after Leverkusen\'s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Jakub Kiwior is being pursued by FC Porto, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson are among other squad members who could depart. These potential exits would create space and funds for Arsenal\'s Hincapie pursuit.
Hincapie operates as a left center-back but can also deploy at left-back. The versatile defender has featured prominently on Arsenal\'s recruitment lists for an extended period.
Leverkusen have already lost key players from their successful 2023-24 campaign. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, and former head coach Xabi Alonso have all departed this summer.
Hincapie joined Leverkusen from Argentinian side CA Talleres in 2021 and has made 166 appearances for the club.