Arsenal Focus on Signing Piero Hincapié as Transfer Plans Develop

Arsenal want to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié. They have started early talks with the player and see him as an important addition to their team.

ARSENAL MOVE FOR HINCAPÍE

Piero Hincapié is a 23-year-old central defender from Ecuador. He finds Arsenal‘s project appealing and wants to join the club. The two parties have begun initial discussions over personal terms, and no issues are expected. No official bid has been submitted yet, as Arsenal are waiting for key outgoings – specifically, Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s potential exit. This transfer is part of a larger plan to refresh the defense before the window closes. Hincapié has recently requested a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen as he wants to play in the Premier League. Bayer Leverkusen, however, is reportedly unwilling to sell him unless his €70 million release clause is met, as confirmed in a recent update.

BACKGROUND: DEFENSIVE CHANGES AND RECENT FORM

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, just ten points behind Liverpool. However, manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen the squad, especially with Kiwior and possibly Zinchenko leaving. Cristhian Mosquera’s arrival is expected to provide competition for a starting place. The club’s interest in Hincapié reflects their desire for more tactical flexibility and quality. Last season, Hincapié made 36 appearances for Leverkusen, playing a crucial role in their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and scoring two goals. He is a versatile player and can cover both the center-back and left-back positions, which Arteta values. Notably, Hincapié helped Leverkusen secure their first league title during the previous season.

WHAT’S NEXT: DOMINO EFFECT AND UPCOMING FIXTURES

Any offer for Hincapié is dependent on Arsenal completing the exits of Kiwior and Zinchenko. Talks are ongoing as the transfer window closes. Arsenal started the 2025-26 Premier League season well, winning both of their opening games to join Tottenham at the top of the table. Their next match is against Liverpool, the current champions and the other team that can be with 6 points after the 2nd matchday, when they play later today. Signing Hincapié would strengthen Arsenal’s defense ahead of a busy fixture schedule that includes a North London Derby against Tottenham, who are also interested in Hincapié. Securing these transfers could determine Arsenal’s title challenge in the coming months, especially as they aim to build on their strong start, having already scored six goals this term and currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table.