Overview

• Transfer reporters say Arsenal are in direct talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapié after agreeing personal terms, with a loan plus obligation to buy the preferred structure.
• Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes says the club has not received an official offer and wants to keep the defender, who has a reported €60m release clause.
• Jakub Kiwior has a five-year deal agreed with Porto and a €27m fee is reported, but his departure has been held up by administrative sign-off at Arsenal.
• Finance experts note a loan-to-buy would defer Hincapié’s transfer amortisation to help Arsenal stay within UEFA squad‑cost rules while covering only wages this year.
• Arsenal are working on exits to create headroom, with talks reported over Reiss Nelson to Crystal Palace for around £15m and other sales under consideration.