Arsenal working to hijack another Tottenham move

Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, according to multiple reports.

Arch-rivals Tottenham have also been exploring a potential move for the Ecuador international, but he is said to prefer a move to the red half of north London. The Gunners are preparing a bid for the player despite a possible deal being dependent on outgoings.

Hincapie wants to leave Leverkusen and that could work in Arsenal's favour, especially with him wanting a move to the club, but it does appear a transfer would rely on the ability of shipping some players off.

Arsenal working on deal for Piero Hincapie

Leverkusen are demanding Hincapie's €60million release clause be triggered or matched if he is to leave the club this summer. However, the player has asked to leave for offers around €45m and is reported to have requested his current side to negotiate reasonably with Andrea Berta and the Gunners.

Arsenal are looking to sell players throughout the final week of the window and are currently in discussions with Porto over a possible loan move with obligation to buy for Jakub Kiwior, something that has led them to explore a move for Hincapie.

The Ecuadorian has been a crucial player for Leverkusen, making 166 appearances throughout his time at the club and has appeared in their first two games of the Bundesliga season.

As expected, Erik ten Hag's side want to keep hold of him if his release clause isn't matched, having already lost several first team regulars during the transfer window. However, some will argue the Gunners hold the upper hand in talks.

Hincapie has prioritised a move to Arsenal ahead of any other suitors and following his request to leave the club, Leverkusen may not have a leg to stand on as the window draws to a close. They can hold firm on their release clause demand, but if the player grows unhappy, they could be forced to come to a compromise.

He would be a good signing for the Gunners if Kiwior is to leave. It would prevent any loss in depth and his versatility as a defender that is capable of playing in both the centre and at left back, he would offer plenty to Mikel Arteta during a packed season that will require quality players to step into the side.

Arsenal's move for Hincapie appears to be a wait-and-see situation. With his preference to join a key factor, a deal will likely materialise if Kiwior is to leave the Gunners and Leverkusen come to a compromise on a fee. The outcome is uncertain, but if Arteta can add him to the ranks, he would be a great signing and it would also be brilliant to steal another signing from under Tottenham's nose.

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