Piero Hincapie considers one project 'very attractive' as Arsenal & Tottenham begin transfer battle

After Arsenal stepped up interest in Hincapie, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Ecuador international is taken by the project on offer should he move to the Emirates Stadium from Germany. The 23-year-old centre-back is described as "keen" on the proposed switch and an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be an issue after initial talks began.

Tottenham have also shown interest in Hincapie, reportedly putting forward a proposal to Leverkusen comprised of a loan and $60 million (£52m/$70m) obligation to buy. That fee, while delayed until 2026, matches the relase clause in the player's contract. Arsenal, meanwhile, are trying to negotiate a lower figure to secure a permanent deal of their own.

It follows the Gunners snatching Eberechi Eze from under their rivals' nose, although Hincapie is no way near as close to joining Spurs as the England international was last week.

Arsenal are potentially offering less money than Tottenham, although Leverkusen stand to receive cash sooner. But with Hincapie's apparent preference for a move to the Emirates, his desire could influence or shape how the Bundesliga side respond to offers. It is a different situation to Eze because the rival proposals are not currently the same, whereas Arsenal had matched Tottenham's bid to Crystal Palace.

Romano adds that no Arsenal bid for Hincapie has yet been made, with the Gunners first needing to find new clubs for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. The latter is the subject of interest from Porto, who are reported to have made an approach over a loan with obligation to buy. Arsenal are looking for around £25m ($32m) for the Poland international, potentially half of what it might take to sign Hincapie.