Piero Hincapié Set to Join Arsenal in €52m Move

Arsenal have agreed to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié in a deal worth €52 million (£45m/$58m), we can confirm.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal have come to an agreement with the German outfit after lengthy negotiations. Hincapié is set to leave Leverkusen after three-and-a-half years at the club, with Arsenal edging out London rivals Tottenham for the defender’s signature. The 22-year-old was impressed with the Gunners’ proposal once he had agreed personal terms and has made it clear he wants to move to the Emirates. We understand the deal also includes a sell-on clause for Leverkusen. Hincapié is now on his way to London for a medical and Arsenal can now expect to rubber stamp the deal in the coming days.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The impending arrival of Hincapié means Mikel Arteta will have even more options in defence going forward as the Gunners gear up for the second half of the season. Jakub Kiwior’s exit to Porto has paved the way for Hincapié to join Arsenal. The Gunners agreed to let the Poland international depart to Porto for a deal valued at €29 million (£24m/$33m), confirmed by reports.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The addition of Hincapié is expected to add further competition for places at Arsenal as the Gunners prepare for the season after the international break. Hincapié may not be ready to feature at Anfield to Liverpool on Saturday but is expected to join the team after the international break, in the middle of September.