Report: Arsenal Face Obstacles in £60m Defender Pursuit | OneFootball

Arsenal Face Key Decision in Hincapié Pursuit

Arsenal have made headlines once again, pushing hard to sign Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, but sealing the deal is proving to be a formidable challenge. After successfully hijacking Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze earlier this summer, the Gunners are attempting to repeat the feat, though this time the financial dynamics make the situation far more complex.

Leverkusen Stand Firm on Release Clause

Tottenham initially proposed a loan with an obligation to buy at €60 million, matching Hincapié’s release clause, but their move collapsed swiftly. Two reasons emerged: Leverkusen’s insistence on an immediate payment and Arsenal entering the frame with determination. As Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated, Leverkusen are “insisting it’s the release clause or bust.”

Plettenberg revealed on X: “Arsenal are pushing to sign Piero Hincapié, but Bayer 04 Leverkusen are currently insisting on the €60m release clause. Concrete negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with Arsenal aiming to pay less than the €60m. Hincapié wants the move to Arsenal and is waiting for an agreement.”

Arsenal’s Summer Spending and Financial Balancing Act

Inclusive of add-ons, Arsenal have already spent over £250 million during this window, so there is a natural hesitation to pay the full release clause without balancing the books. As The Athletic highlighted, Arsenal can technically afford the €60m without breaching PSR regulations, but doing so would likely require player exits. Jakub Kiwior is attracting strong interest from FC Porto, who have lodged an official bid worth over €25 million in a loan-to-buy structure. “Kiwior has already said yes to Porto, #AFC in talks over details of the bid,” Fabrizio Romano reported.

Other squad members such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson could also be sold to create financial breathing space. However, loan deals or staggered payments mean Arsenal would not immediately recoup enough funds, leaving the club in a delicate situation.

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Hincapié’s Desire and Arsenal’s Dilemma

Hincapié has reportedly agreed personal terms and is eager to join Arsenal’s project, which underlines the attraction of Mikel Arteta’s vision. Yet, the question remains: will Arsenal meet the release clause or walk away from the deal? For now, negotiations continue, but if Leverkusen refuse to budge, Arsenal’s only route is paying the full €60m upfront.

As one source summarised: “Hincapié wants the move to Arsenal and is waiting for an agreement.” This is a battle of financial conviction as much as ambition.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like a tense moment for Arsenal supporters. On one hand, there is excitement about adding a dynamic 23-year-old defender with Champions League experience. On the other, concerns linger about whether paying €60m for Hincapié is prudent after spending heavily earlier in the window. Fans know the defence needs depth, but could this outlay affect future flexibility?

The situation also reveals how far Arsenal have come under Mikel Arteta. Players like Hincapié are actively pushing to join the club, which signals progress. However, the fanbase will question whether the club should gamble on more financial outgoings without confirmed exits. Kiwior moving to Porto seems promising, but as it stands, that deal provides no immediate funds.

Many supporters remain hopeful, convinced that this signing could be decisive in sustaining a title challenge. Yet others fear that stubborn negotiations could drag until the final days of the window, risking another saga that ends without resolution. If Arsenal truly want Hincapié, meeting the clause may be the only way to show intent and back Arteta fully.