Piero Hincapié could leave Bayer Leverkusen for €45 million, according to Bild, who report the defender has an agreement allowing him to depart for 75 per cent of his €60m release clause.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international has made clear to Leverkusen that he wants to move on, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur having registered interest.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Spurs had approached Leverkusen with a loan offer including an obligation to buy at €60m in 2026.
David Ornstein later confirmed that Arsenal are also working on a deal, with Hincapié prioritising a move to Arsenal over Tottenham.
Arsenal’s pursuit is tied to departures, with Jakub Kiwior expected to join Porto in a €26m deal structured as a loan with obligation to buy.
Other exits, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fábio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Reiss Nelson, remain likely as the club look to balance squad numbers and finances.
Hincapié’s versatility is seen as a major attraction for Mikel Arteta, with the Leverkusen man able to operate at centre-back or left-back.
Arsenal already have Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera providing similar flexibility across the back line, but the interest reflects the manager’s desire for depth across multiple positions.
Reports in Germany noted Hincapié’s emotional reaction following Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim, when he stood in front of the home supporters with tears in his eyes, interpreted by some as a sign of his impending departure.
Leverkusen’s position is unchanged: they are reluctant to sell unless the clause is met, though Bild claim the €45m figure could prove decisive.