As Arsenal plot to strengthen their defense, Piero Hincapie a Bayer Leverkusen player has also emerged a top target. The 23 year old Ecuadorian has reported that he is keen on moving to the Gunners and that the club is his first choice as opposed to others who are on to him.
Individuals familiar with the situation indicate that Hincapie has found the Arsenal initiative under Mikel Arteta really enticing, especially considering that the club is back in the Champions League, and hopes to become a title contender in the Premier League. Negotiations with the player camp have just been started and personal terms should be not problematic.
Whereas his release clause is thought to make him cost around 60million Euros, Arsenal are trying to work around to get the fee down to a more attainable amount. Negotiations with Leverkusen are said to be almost at an advanced stage and it will all depend on whether Arsenal will create space within its defenders unit.
It is likely that Gunners will have to sanction exits so as to confirm the arrival of Hincapi. Jakub Kiwior is in negotiations with Porto and Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been suggested to be a possible departure. The transfers would open up resources in terms of finances as well as playing squad in which Hincapi can be recruited.
Hincapie is a left footed central defender who is good on the ball and tackles hard and at times covers wide areas. He was a critical ingredient in the recent success of Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso and has also broken into the Ecuadorian national team.
The 23-year old is the right age to match the idea in Arsenal to sign young experienced players who can help the club immediately as they grow themselves.
