Arsenal are reportedly demanding €30 million for Jakub Kiwior as they pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. Porto’s initial offer for Kiwior was deemed insufficient. Hincapie has also agreed to join Arsenal, potentially marking the club’s final signing of the transfer window.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to part ways with defender Jakub Kiwior, but only if their valuation of €30 million is met. This development comes as the Gunners intensify their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie as a potential replacement. The North London club has apparently communicated a counter offer to Porto, who had initially proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy Kiwior for €26 million.
The situation surrounding Kiwior's future at Arsenal has been subject to speculation in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the 25-year-old is open to a move away from the Emirates Stadium in search of more regular playing time. Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular under manager Mikel Arteta, often finding himself behind the likes of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba in the pecking order.
Arsenal's willingness to sell Kiwior is contingent upon their ability to secure the services of Hincapie, a highly-rated defender who has been attracting attention from several top clubs across Europe. The 22-year-old has impressed with his performances for Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing his versatility, defensive prowess, and ability to play in multiple positions.
Leverkusen, however, are reluctant to let go of one of their prized assets and are reportedly holding out for a fee close to Hincapie's release clause of €60 million. Arsenal are hopeful that they can negotiate a lower price, with reports suggesting that they are prepared to offer around €45 million for the Ecuadorian international.
If Arsenal can reach an agreement with Leverkusen for Hincapie, they will then sanction Kiwior's move to Porto. Kiwior has already agreed personal terms with the Portuguese giants, indicating his eagerness to join the club. Porto's initial offer of a loan deal with an obligation to buy for €26 million was deemed insufficient by Arsenal, who are holding out for a package closer to €30 million.
Hincapie has also reportedly given his approval to join Arsenal, further fueling speculation that a deal could be reached before the transfer window closes. The Ecuadorian centre-back is viewed as a player with immense potential, and his arrival would provide Arteta with another quality option in defense.
The potential acquisition of Hincapie could mark Arsenal's final signing of the summer transfer window, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. The Gunners have already made several high-profile additions, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, as they aim to build on their impressive campaign last time out.
With negotiations ongoing between Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Porto, the coming days could prove crucial in determining the future of both Kiwior and Hincapie. Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates as the club looks to finalize its squad ahead of the season.
The pursuit of Hincapie signals Arsenal's ambition to strengthen their defensive options and compete at the highest level. The potential arrival of the highly-rated defender would not only provide competition for places but also add depth and quality to the squad.