Overview

• Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal are in direct discussions with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapié after agreeing personal terms, with a preference for a loan with an obligation to buy.
• Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes says the club has not received an official offer and insists Hincapié remains their player, with reports citing a €60m release clause.
• Jakub Kiwior’s proposed move to Porto is described as linked to any Hincapié deal, with the Mirror reporting a fee of about €27m and an administrative hold as Arsenal await a replacement.
• Arsenal’s heavy summer outlay of roughly £250–260m is shaping deal structure, with finance analysis suggesting a loan‑to‑buy would defer amortisation to meet UEFA Squad Cost rules.
• Multiple outlets state Hincapié favors Arsenal, though Leverkusen resistance and limited time to source a replacement leave the outcome uncertain as the deadline approaches.