Why Arsenal and Tottenham Are Battling for Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié

The transfer window is moving into its final, frantic days, and one of the names dominating headlines is Piero Hincapié. The Ecuadorian defender has told Bayer Leverkusen that he wants to leave, and the Premier League looks like his most likely destination. Suddenly, Arsenal and Tottenham are caught in a tug-of-war for one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

Tottenham were the first to make their move. They approached Leverkusen with a loan deal that would turn into a permanent transfer worth €60 million in 2026. That figure matches the player’s release clause, and it was seen as a clever way to structure the payment. The offer was enough to put Spurs in the conversation, but crucially, it did not settle the issue.

That is because Hincapié’s preference is believed to lie across North London, where Arsenal have been monitoring the situation closely. Mikel Arteta and his staff have held conversations with the player’s representatives, and sources in Germany and England agree that Arsenal are now in a strong position. In many ways, this is starting to resemble the Eberechi Eze saga, when Arsenal swooped in and stole a Spurs target at the last minute.

For Arsenal, the interest is real, though it comes with conditions. They would like to negotiate a fee lower than the €60 million clause and are balancing the move against their already significant summer spending. Tottenham, on the other hand, are sticking to their loan-plus-obligation structure, which might not carry the same weight as a direct bid.

Contract Situation and Player Ambitions

Hincapié has been one of Leverkusen’s standout players since arriving in Germany. Still only 23 years old, he already has over 160 appearances for the club and was a key figure during their 2023–24 Bundesliga title-winning campaign. His contract runs until 2029, which is why the release clause is so central to any discussions.

Bayer Leverkusen had hoped to keep their core intact for another season, but circumstances are shifting. Their recent move for Loïc Badé has given them some breathing room in defence, and it leaves them more open to selling if the right proposal comes in. For Hincapié, the chance to test himself in the Premier League feels like a natural next step.

Observers who have tracked his development argue that the Bundesliga has taken him as far as it can. His blend of aggression, speed, and positional awareness makes him one of the best young left-footed defenders in Europe. That versatility, comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, adds further appeal for clubs like Arsenal, where tactical flexibility is non-negotiable.

Tottenham’s pitch is that they can give him a key role immediately, alongside the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Danso, providing quality depth to the Spurs team, considering they play Champions League football this season. Arsenal’s argument is different. They want him as a long-term solution, a player who can slot into a defence that already boasts William Saliba and Gabriel but needs more depth and balance. Hincapié seems to lean towards that project, providing the team with formidable depth, with which he’ll compete with the likes of Cristhian Mosquera, who was bought from Valencia this window as well. 

 

Squad Logistics: Who Needs to Depart?

For Arsenal, everything hinges on moving players out. Their squad is bloated in certain areas, and Arteta has been clear that arrivals will only happen if exits are secured. The most obvious candidate is Jakub Kiwior, who has been heavily linked with Porto. If that deal goes through, it clears a space for another left-footed defender, precisely the role Hincapié would fill.

Other departures are also on the table. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, and Albert Sambi Lokonga have all been linked with moves away, and Arsenal are quietly open to selling. Should two or three of those players leave, it would free up both squad space and financial resources for more marquee signings. Considering Arsenal’s £247–300 million outlay this summer, every sale matters.

Tottenham’s needs are slightly different. Their squad has gaps in midfield and attack, which makes the pursuit of another defender feel like a luxury. Still, missing out on Eze earlier in the summer has created pressure. Fans want to see a big name arrive before the window closes, and Hincapié could be framed as a statement signing. That said, Spurs’ approach remains more cautious than Arsenal’s, and there is a sense that they are not willing to push beyond their structured offer.

A Decision Looming Under Deadline Pressure

With less than a week to go, the situation is finely balanced. Hincapié has made his intentions clear: he wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen, and he wants the Premier League. What remains uncertain is which London club he will choose, and whether the financial and squad pieces can fall into place in time.

Arsenal look like the favourites at this stage. The player’s own preference matters, and the Gunners are in direct talks with Leverkusen. Still, it is not straightforward. They need to accelerate their outgoing deals and finalise terms quickly if they want to avoid Spurs sneaking back into contention.

Tottenham, for their part, can only hope that Arsenal stumble. Their loan-to-buy offer might appeal to Leverkusen if the German club prioritises flexibility, yet it feels like a second choice compared to a cleaner deal.

Final Thoughts

Hincapié’s qualities are undeniable. Strong in one-on-one duels, quick across the ground, and intelligent in possession, he looks tailor-made for the Premier League. For Arsenal, he could be the final piece in a defensive puzzle designed to sustain a title challenge. For Spurs, he would be a building block for Thomas Frank’s promising long-term project.

Whichever way the decision falls, this has all the ingredients of a deadline-day drama. Arsenal hold the upper hand today, Tottenham are waiting in the wings, and Bayer Leverkusen are ready to cash in if the numbers add up.