Arsenal’s defensive reshuffle: Hincapié in, Kiwior out as deals near completion

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·26 Agustus 2025

Arsenal’s defensive reshuffle: Hincapié in, Kiwior out as deals near completion

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen after news of their interest first broke out on Monday. Jakub Kiwior’s imminent move away has prompted the Gunners to take action.

Multiple reports had initially linked Arsenal with a move for the Bayer Leverkusen man on Monday, but the Gunners are believed to have been keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian for almost a month. Just like they did with Eberechi Eze, Arsenal have seemingly come out of nowhere, gazumping their rivals to another player. On the same day that Arsenal’s interest was made known to the public, Spurs were initially linked to the 23-year-old, but the player prefers a move to the red half of north London.

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Romano Confirms Agreement

Fabrizio Romano reports the player has already said “yes” to a move to Arsenal, with both parties in agreement over personal terms. Despite Spurs’ advances, the player favours a move to the Gunners. The report also added that the club is preparing an initial offer for the Ecuadorian, likely to be an initial loan deal plus an obligation to buy in 2026.

Did you know Piero Hincapié could be the first Ecuadorian to play for Arsenal?

Piero Hincapié (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)

Kiwior to Porto Clears the Way

Given how quickly the deal is moving, Jakub Kiwior is almost guaranteed to leave the club. According to a separate report from Romano, FC Porto have come in with an improved bid for the Polish international. Arsenal have received a €25 million package, which will come in the form of an initial loan followed by an obligation to buy. The defender has already agreed to join the Portuguese outfit, while the two clubs continue to iron out the final details.

Hincapié will be a like-for-like replacement for Kiwior as both players are versatile, capable of playing in central defence or as a left full-back. The 23-year-old will bring experience and first-team pedigree, having amassed 166 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen since 2021, during which he scored seven goals and proved to be an influential figure.

Thoughts on the potential new signing? And Kiwior’s likely departure? Let us know in the comments.

Benjamin Kenneth

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