Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie appears to have reached an agreement on personal terms with Arsenal for a long-term contract, effectively turning down Tottenham in the process. This latest move highlights Arsenal’s ambitions to bolster their defensive lineup while simultaneously striking a blow to their long-standing rivals from north London. With Hincapie’s potential arrival, Arsenal is poised to initiate talks with Leverkusen regarding a transfer fee, seeking to outmaneuver Tottenham in yet another transfer skirmish following their recent acquisition of Eberechi Eze.
After successfully securing Eze from Crystal Palace for a hefty £67.5 million ($91 million)—a player heavily pursued by Tottenham—Arsenal is now looking to deepen the wound inflicted on their rivals by potentially bringing Hincapie on board. The young Ecuadorian defender, just 22, has reportedly given a thumbs-up to joining Arsenal, leaving Tottenham with yet another disappointing chapter in their transfer journey, as highlighted by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal is expected to present an initial bid for Hincapie, which is rumored to be formulated as a loan deal coupled with a mandatory purchase clause. Such a financial structure would allow Leverkusen to receive immediate cash, contrasting with Tottenham’s approach, which planned to defer payment until 2026, even though both clubs are eyeing the same €60 million (£52 million/$70 million) release clause for the player. While Arsenal’s offer may not match Tottenham’s desired headline figure, the immediate monetary incentive for Leverkusen, coupled with Hincapie’s clear desire to play for Arsenal, could greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful transfer for the Gunners.
In addition to securing Hincapie, Arsenal’s reshuffling of their defensive ranks is expected to lead to significant player exits. Reports suggest that Jakub Kiwior is likely on the cusp of joining FC Porto in a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy at around £25 million ($32 million). This transaction could potentially cover nearly half of Hincapie’s transfer fee. Moreover, Oleksandr Zinchenko is also speculated to be approaching a departure, allowing manager Mikel Arteta the opportunity to refresh his defensive lineup while keeping the club’s financial health in check.
Beyond these tactical adjustments, the pursuit of Hincapie serves a broader message to the footballing world—a clear indication that Arsenal is not merely reinforcing their squad but also doing so at Tottenham’s expense. Each successful transfer that Arsenal manages to hijack from Tottenham adds another layer to the ongoing psychological duel between these two clubs. Arsenal’s swift and calculated maneuvers in the transfer market cast a formidable shadow over Tottenham’s aspirations.
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