Arsenal 'working on deal' to sign wantaway Leverkusen defender | OneFootball

Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The 23-year-old has informed the Bundesliga runners-up of his wish to leave and is prioritising a move to north London over interest from other clubs.

Negotiations are centred on reducing the €60 million release clause, with Arsenal hopeful of agreeing a more realistic fee for the Ecuador international.

If completed, Hincapié would be Arsenal’s eighth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze.

The left-sided centre-back’s potential arrival could impact the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who have both been linked with departures.

Mikel Arteta is believed to value Hincapié’s versatility, with the defender able to operate centrally or at left-back, offering depth across the back line.

Arsenal’s hierarchy are conscious of balancing incomings with player exits, meaning progress on this deal may depend on sales in the coming weeks.

Talks are described as ongoing and while no agreement has yet been reached, Arsenal are pushing to bring Hincapié to the Emirates before the transfer window closes.

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