Arsenal, led by Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, are reportedly making bold strides to secure another significant signing this summer, following a successful hijack of a deal from rivals Tottenham Hotspur. After a lacklustre 2024/25 season, the North London club is determined to make a mark this transfer window, closing in on Liverpool as Europe’s top spenders this summer.
The Gunners have already splashed over £250 million in acquiring talents such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Eberechi Eze. While Eze was anticipated to be the final marquee addition, Arsenal shifted focus towards the future with the acquisition of 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers prodigy Victor Ozhianvuna, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic.
However, recent revelations suggest Arsenal are now challenging Spurs for the signature of Piero Hincapie, a versatile centre-back from Bayer Leverkusen. The Ecuadorian international, valued at €60 million (£52m) due to a release clause, has expressed a desire to leave the German side before the window closes.
Hincapie, noted for his ability to play both centre-back and left-back positions, has been linked with various Premier League clubs, including Liverpool. Despite Arsenal’s already strong defensive line-up, they are reportedly preparing to launch a bid for the 23-year-old, who appears to favour a move to Arteta’s squad over Spurs.
Prominent transfer guru Fabrizio Romano elaborated on Hincapie’s interest, citing the appeal of Arsenal’s project and the readiness of personal terms. Romano also pointed out that the potential departures of Jakub Kiwior to Porto and Oleksandr Zinchenko elsewhere could be critical to finalising the deal.
German journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed Arsenal’s aggressive pursuit of Hincapie, highlighting the player’s eagerness to join the Gunners and suggesting the potential for negotiations below the €60 million threshold, despite strong interest from Tottenham.
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