Arsenal looks set to make one last push in the market before the transfer window shuts. Their main target is Piero Hincapié, the Ecuadorian center back from Bayer Leverkusen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Talks are moving toward a possible loan deal, a strategy that underlines how eager the London club is to reinforce its back line without committing right away to a huge transfer fee. Hincapié has already told Leverkusen he wants out and views Arsenal as the perfect step forward in his career, a chance to play for a team competing for trophies and building momentum under Mikel Arteta.
Hincapié’s role in the market
At just 23, Hincapié has built a reputation as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe. Since arriving at Leverkusen in 2021, he’s racked up 166 appearances and turned himself into a cornerstone of the squad during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, winning the Bundesliga along the way. The bond between player and coach was always solid, which helps explain why Real Madrid even considered a move for him. Atlético de Madrid and Bayern Munich also tracked his situation, though with less urgency than the Premier League contenders.
The English chase
Arsenal isn’t alone in the race. Chelsea added Hincapié to their shortlist after Levi Colwill suffered a long-term injury. Tottenham, Fabrizio Romano reports, has been looking into a loan with a mandatory buy option. All of this shows how highly rated the defender is and how much demand he’s generating. The big difference is in how the clubs are handling it: while others are monitoring, Arsenal is actively pushing to close the deal quickly.
For the Gunners, timing couldn’t be more important. They already have a strong squad, but the past few seasons have exposed how damaging injuries in key defensive roles can be. Depth at the back is crucial if they want to truly compete in the Premier League and make a deeper run in the Champions League. That’s why Hincapié stands out—not only as a technical upgrade, but also as someone who could provide a much-needed sense of security when the season reaches its defining moments.