Arsenal are pushing ahead with plans to strengthen their defence before the transfer window closes, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie emerging as a leading target.
The Ecuadorian international, who has won 46 caps for his country, is seen as a priority signing for the Gunners, who want a natural left-sided defender to balance their back line.
The 23-year-old has a €60m (£52m) release clause and is understood to be keen on leaving Leverkusen this summer.
Arsenal scouts have tracked him extensively, and he has built a strong reputation in Germany, making 166 appearances since joining in 2021.
Hincapie played a key role in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign in 2023–24, when the club lifted both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
Arsenal’s transfer business has already exceeded £200m this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze among the high-profile additions.
Outgoings are now expected to follow, with Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, and Oleksandr Zinchenko among those who could depart.
Centre-back Jakub Kiwior has also attracted interest from Porto. Tottenham have been linked with Hincapie, but Spurs sources insist the defender is not a player they are pursuing.
While Arsenal continue to explore defensive reinforcements, they are also facing fresh concerns on the injury front. Bukayo Saka, who limped off in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Leeds United, is set to miss around four weeks with a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old forward will sit out next weekend’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield, as well as England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Captain Martin Odegaard is also a doubt after suffering a shoulder injury in the same match. The Norway international was forced off in the first half and later left the Emirates Stadium with his arm in a sling.
While there is optimism he has avoided a long-term setback, his availability for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool remains uncertain.
Despite the setback, Arsenal are confident their squad depth can cover the absences. Alongside their new attacking signings, Mikel Arteta can call on Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and highly rated youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.
