Arsenal in direct talks with Bayer Leverkusen over Piero Hincapie move as Gunners attempt to sign defender before transfer deadline

Fabrizio Romano revealed Arsenal are pushing for a loan deal with an obligation to buy, a structure that would give them financial flexibility while still guaranteeing Leverkusen a sizeable payout in the near future. Whether such a compromise can satisfy the Bundesliga club remains the biggest sticking point.

Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has been quick to play hardball in public, insisting that the club have yet to receive any formal offer from Arsenal or anyone else. Speaking to RTL/ntv and sport.de, Rolfes made it clear:  "We still haven’t received an official offer from any club, so he’s our player. That’s the status quo. He knows that we value him highly and would like to see him continue with us."

The knock-on effect is likely to be the departure of Jakub Kiwior, who has been strongly linked with a switch to FC Porto. Reports indicate the Polish defender could leave on loan with an obligation to buy for around £25 million (€32m). That figure would offset almost half the projected cost of Hincapie, easing the financial strain on Arsenal’s transfer budget.

With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes already established as first-choice centre-backs, Hincapie would provide competition and cover, ensuring Arsenal avoid the defensive frailties that cost them vital points in last season’s run-in. As the window ticks down towards its September 1 closure, Arsenal find themselves in a familiar situation, scrambling to finalise deals under the pressure of the clock. The willingness of both player and club to reach an agreement is clear, but Leverkusen’s stance could drag negotiations to the wire.