Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal began direct negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapie
- Defender has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract with the Gunners
- Jakub Kiwior is expected to depart for FC Porto on loan with an obligation to buy, potentially easing Arsenal’s financial outlay
Negotiations Progress Ahead of Deadline
Arsenal have moved into advanced discussions with Bayer Leverkusen in a bid to sign Ecuador international Piero Hincapie before the transfer window closes. The north London club, seeking to reinforce their defensive ranks, have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the 23-year-old centre-back. Talks have now shifted to the contractual details between the clubs as the Gunners attempt to complete the move ahead of the 1 September deadline.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are now in direct talks with Bayer for Piero Hincapié deal after personal terms agreed.#AFC preference for loan with obligation as deal now depends on structure to be approved or not by Leverkusen.
🔄 If Hincapié deal can be agreed, Kiwior can join FC Porto. pic.twitter.com/K2O2ven7xB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2025
Loan Approach and Financial Considerations
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are proposing a structure involving an initial loan with a guaranteed option to purchase, allowing for financial manoeuvrability while still promising a significant payment to Leverkusen. The acceptability of this offer for the Bundesliga club remains uncertain and is considered the major point of contention in ongoing negotiations.
| Player | Current Club | Potential Move | Contract Terms | Reported Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piero Hincapie | Bayer Leverkusen | Arsenal | Personal terms agreed | Undisclosed |
| Jakub Kiwior | Arsenal | FC Porto | Loan with obligation to buy | £25 million (€32m) |
Club Response and Transfer Implications
Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has publicly stressed that no official bid has been received by the German side, stating to RTL: “We still haven’t received an official offer from any club, so he’s our player. That’s the status quo. He knows that we value him highly and would like to see him continue with us.”
The potential purchase of Hincapie could trigger a departure from Arsenal, as Jakub Kiwior has been strongly linked with a move to FC Porto on loan with an obligation to buy for a reported £25 million (€32m). Should this deal go through, it is expected to offset a notable proportion of Arsenal’s expected expenditure on the Ecuadorian defender, thereby alleviating some of the financial pressure of the window.
Potential Squad Impact
If successfully completed, Hincapie would offer further cover and competition in central defence, where William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes currently form the first-choice pairing. Arsenal aim to avoid the defensive vulnerabilities that hampered their campaign in the previous season’s closing stages. With the summer transfer window rapidly nearing its conclusion, Arsenal are racing against time to formalise both arrivals and departures. While there is clear intent on both sides to find a resolution, Bayer Leverkusen’s negotiating stance suggests talks could extend right up until deadline day.
