Arsenal are pushing a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie as they look to strengthen their countering options before the end of the transfer window.
The Gunners actively want a left-sided defender as a priority signing this summer, and Hincapie has come out as a solid candidate to fill that role.
The Ecuador international, 23, has been minutely watched by Arsenal’s hiring members, who have monitored his progress in Germany over the past few seasons.
Hincapie is understood to have a €60 million (£52m) release clause in his current contract and is reportedly open to leaving Leverkusen before the market closes. Having already proven himself as a consistent performer in the Bundesliga, the defender could be set for the next step in his career.
Since joining Leverkusen in 2021, Hincapie has made 166 appearances across all competitions. He was a key figure in the squad that secured a historic domestic double in 2023-24, lifting both the Bundesliga and the German Cup. His pace, positional awareness, and ability to play comfortably on the left side of defence have made him an attractive option for clubs across Europe.
For Arsenal, defensive depth has become a pressing issue. Despite spending more than £200m on signings already this summer, the north London side are still keen to add balance and cover at the back. With long-term injuries in recent campaigns affecting their title challenges, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s defensive resources is viewed as essential.
At the same time, the club are also working on outgoings to manage their squad size and finances. Midfielder Fabio Vieira, winger Reiss Nelson, and full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko are among the players who could depart before the window shuts. There has also been interest in Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, with Porto among those considering a move, though Arsenal remain cautious about losing too many options in defence without securing reinforcements.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned in connection with Hincapie, but sources close to the matter insist Spurs are not actively pursuing a deal for the player. That leaves Arsenal with a clearer path should they decide to activate his release clause or enter negotiations with Leverkusen.
Arteta has built a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League, but with Champions League football on the agenda, squad depth will be tested more than ever. Adding a versatile defender like Hincapie could help ease the burden on regular starters and provide the flexibility required to compete across multiple fronts.
The coming weeks will determine whether Arsenal push ahead with their interest, but Hincapie’s profile ticks many of the boxes the club are looking for. His experience in Germany, success at club level, and international pedigree with Ecuador all point to a player ready for a move to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
