Piero Hincapie travels to London without Bayer Leverkusen's permission in bid to finalise Arsenal move

Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have agreed on a loan deal with an option to buy, worth a total of €52 million (£45m/$60.8m), including a sell-on clause. Hincapie has informed Leverkusen of his preference to join the Gunners, even though he extended his contract with them last December. Per The Athletic, he has now travelled to London, although without his club's permission given details of the deal still need to be finalised.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Hincapie has been linked with their plans to offload Jakub Kiwior to Porto. That move, worth up to €27 million (£23.7m/$31.5m), hinges on Arsenal successfully completing the Hincapie deal. The Ecuadorian’s arrival would strengthen Mikel Arteta’s backline as the Gunners push for a deeper squad ahead of what they hope will be a Premier League-winning campaign.

Hincapie is seen as one of South America’s most promising defenders, having played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign. He has also been a regular for Ecuador at the international level. Arsenal view him as a long-term solution, with a five-year deal ready for him next summer if the option to buy is triggered.

Hincapie is expected to undergo a medical once Leverkusen grant approval. Arsenal must also confirm Kiwior’s switch to Porto before closing the signing. If all goes to plan, Hincapie will be unveiled before the end of the transfer window.