Arsenal are now in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the signing of Piero Hincapie, having agreed personal terms with the centre-back.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, and the Gunners are now in direct talks with his club over a transfer.
Arsenal’s preference is reportedly for a loan with an obligation to buy next summer, and the deal depends on whether that structure is approved by Leverkusen.
Though Romano doesn’t say it, it would be surprising to see Leverkusen turn that deal structure down. They’ve already made significant sales this summer, and a loan with an obligation would set up their finances nicely for next summer as well.
Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal are hoping to reach an agreement for Hincapie before the weekend, and they’re aiming to pay less than his €60m (£51.8m) release clause. The player himself is pushing to leave for a package closer to €50m (£43.1m).
Though Jacobs confirms that Arsenal’s preference is a loan with an obligation, he adds that an outright purchase hasn’t been discounted if the price drops.
Football insider Hand of Arsenal confirms that Andrea Berta has set an internal deadline to reach a conclusion on Hincapie, with one source suggesting he wants a deal within 48 hours.
David Ornstein had broken the news earlier this week that Arsenal were working on a deal for Hincapie, with the player prioritising the Gunners over the alternatives.
Tottenham Hotspur had approached Bayer Leverkusen first, but they soon faded from the race after Arsenal arrived.
Many media outlets then started to claim Spurs had never wanted Hincapie anyway, but Spurs insider Paul O Keefe reported that this was just a club brief. Spurs did indeed make two failed bids, and they’re now trying to save face by claiming they’re not interested.
With Arsenal now the only club in the race, the hope is that a deal can be done quickly.