Arsenal’s late-summer transfer business has hit a snag as negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie stall—causing a domino effect that’s temporarily grounded Jakub Kiwior’s proposed move to Porto. With just days left before the transfer window shuts, the Gunners face a critical decision amid financial pressures and a firm stance from the German club.
Arsenal’s Summer Spending Reaches Tipping Point
The Gunners have been among Europe’s busiest clubs this summer, shelling out close to £250 million in a bid to close the gap on Premier League champions Liverpool. Their high-profile acquisitions include Eberechi Eze, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres.
While Eze was expected to be the club’s final marquee signing of the window, Arsenal have made a late attempt to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of Piero Hincapie, a versatile 23-year-old defender from Bayer Leverkusen.
Hincapie Move in Jeopardy Over Release Clause Dispute
Hincapie, who can operate both at centre-back and left-back, is seen as a direct replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who has attracted interest from Portuguese giants Porto. However, Arsenal’s hopes of landing the Ecuadorian international have hit a roadblock.
Leverkusen are adamant that Hincapie will only leave if his €60 million (£52m) release clause is met, rejecting Arsenal’s attempts to negotiate a loan deal with an obligation to buy. This firm stance has delayed the entire operation, putting a potential chain reaction on hold.
Kiwior Medical Scrapped as Arsenal Hesitate
Arsenal had been moving in parallel on both deals, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that both Kiwior and Hincapie had given the green light to their respective moves. Kiwior was scheduled to fly to Portugal for a medical on Tuesday, but those plans were abruptly halted.
According to Mirror Football, Porto had arranged a private jet to fly the Polish defender in for tests, but Arsenal pulled the plug at the last minute as discussions with Leverkusen remained unresolved.
Clock Ticking Ahead of Transfer Deadline
With the transfer window closing on Monday, Arsenal are running out of time to finalize their defensive reshuffle. The club is weighing its options: meet Hincapie’s full release clause or risk missing out entirely. Until that decision is made, Kiwior’s exit remains in limbo.
The situation underscores the high-stakes balancing act Arsenal face—strengthening the squad without overextending financially, especially after an aggressive summer spree.
