Arsenal And Tottenham Battle For Bayer Leverkusen Defender Piero Hincapié

Both Arsenal and Tottenham are trying to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié. The Ecuadorian defender might join the Premier League this summer, but Bayer Leverkusen won’t sell him unless his €70 million release clause is met, according to a recent report confirmed.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal is interested in Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. They haven’t made a formal offer yet. The decision depends on Jakub Kiwior’s possible move to Porto or Oleksandr Zinchenko’s status. Meanwhile, Tottenham is offering a loan with a purchase. They have proposed a loan with an obligation to buy for approximately €60 million, which aligns with his release clause as reported. Hincapié wants to move and has started talks with Spurs, but nothing is final yet.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Both teams are improving after impressive starts starts. Arsenal and Tottenham are top third in the Premier League, after a 100% winning start, the only teams to do so so far, as Liverpool play later today at Newcastle and could complete the top three. Their defense is good, but Mikel Arteta wants more depth. Jakub Kiwior has played two matches, and Zinchenko is trying to regain his spot after injury. Tottenham is currently top and unbeaten but lost midfielder James Maddison to injury. They are keen on Hincapié for additional cover. Leverkusen, who finished second in the Bundesliga, has already lost key players and does not want to lose more.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL, TOTTENHAM AND HINCAPIE?

Arsenal’s next game is against Liverpool away from home in the Premier League. A win keeps them close to the top and opens a gap to a potential competitor for the top spots. Tottenham plays Bournemouth and aims to maintain their position in the top four. Both teams want to sign Hincapié before the transfer window closes in 10 days. If Arsenal keeps Zinchenko or can’t sell Kiwior, they might miss out. Leverkusen needs to find a replacement quickly, especially with a tough upcoming match against Werder Bremen as they aim to build on last season’s performance. The race for Hincapié is picking up pace as deadlines approach.