Arsenal have reportedly stepped up the pace in the final days of the transfer window by opening direct negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie. The Gunners, determined to bolster their backline before the deadline slams shut, are now thrashing out the fine print of a potential agreement after already agreeing personal terms with the 23-year-old.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes says the German side are yet to receive a bid from Arsenal for defender Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal had to cancel a private jet that was lined up for Jakub Kiwior to travel to Porto to finalise his £22.5 million move to the Portuguese club. The Gunners are yet to agree on a deal with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of Piero Hincapie, despite the player agreeing personal terms. The Premier League giants won't be able to sanction Kiwior's transfer unless Hincapie's move is sealed.

Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a long-term contract, snubbing Tottenham in the process. Arsenal will now negotiate a fee with Leverkusen for the Ecuadorian centre-back as they bid to hijack another Spurs transfer following the capture of Eberechi Eze.

Either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur will miss out after identifying Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as a target in the summer transfer window's final week.