Arsenal Edge Closer to Hincapié Deal as Exit Talks Advance

With the transfer window nearing its final stretch, Arsenal find themselves carefully maneuvering through a delicate balance of arrivals and departures. The club is edging closer to securing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, while parallel negotiations continue to move one step closer toward the exit door for Jakub Kiwior.

A Calculated Pursuit

Arsenal’s interest in Hincapié is not sudden. The Ecuadorian international has been on their radar for over a year, admired for his blend of versatility, composure, and physical presence. Capable of operating as a left-sided centre-back or covering at full-back, he fits the profile Mikel Arteta has been searching for: a defender who can both reinforce the starting XI and provide depth across the back line.

The club’s approach to securing him reflects a careful financial strategy. Rather than committing to an immediate, large-scale outlay, Arsenal are exploring a structured deal that spreads the cost. It is a familiar playbook—the same one used to bring in goalkeeper David Raya last season—and it allows the club to strengthen now while keeping their long-term financial position intact.

Kiwior Nears the Exit

The pursuit of Hincapié is closely tied to the future of Jakub Kiwior, who is set to complete a move to Porto. Arsenal and the Portuguese club have agreed terms on a deal structured as an initial loan with an obligation to buy, worth around €25–27 million. The agreement includes a loan fee followed by a guaranteed payment, with potential add-ons bringing the total value closer to €30 million.

For Arsenal, Kiwior’s departure is about more than squad rotation. It provides immediate financial relief and clears space for Hincapié to come in. Since arriving from Spezia, the Polish international has shown flashes of ability but has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice option under Mikel Arteta. At Porto, however, he is expected to play a central role in their back line, offering him the consistent minutes he couldn’t quite secure in North London.

The transfer highlights Arsenal’s methodical “one in, one out” approach this summer. By sanctioning Kiwior’s exit, the club not only generates funds but also creates the squad balance needed to finalize the Hincapié deal. In many ways, Kiwior’s move to Porto acts as the key domino that unlocks Arsenal’s defensive reshaping for the season ahead.

A Wider Reshaping of the Squad

Hincapié’s expected arrival and Kiwior’s likely departure are part of a broader reshaping of Arteta’s squad. Arsenal have invested heavily this summer, adding quality across midfield and attack to match their ambitions of competing for major honors. But with spending limits and squad size restrictions in play, exits are just as important as arrivals.

Other players remain under consideration for transfers away. Fringe squad members, academy graduates seeking game time, and senior players who no longer fit the tactical vision are all possible candidates. The overarching aim is clear: maintain the financial sustainability of the club while continuing to refine the squad to Arteta’s precise specifications.

Why Hincapié Matters

Hincapié’s potential signing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about balance. Arsenal already boast one of the Premier League’s strongest defensive partnerships in William Saliba and Gabriel, but depth has proven vital in recent seasons. Injuries and fixture congestion have often exposed thin areas of the squad, and Arteta has been determined to ensure that his team can rotate without sacrificing quality.

At just 23 years old, Hincapié offers both immediate value and long-term promise. His comfort on the ball suits Arsenal’s progressive style, while his physical attributes give him the edge in one-on-one duels. Crucially, being left-footed provides tactical symmetry alongside Saliba and complements Arteta’s preference for building out from the back.

Final Verdict

With just days remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal’s ability to finalize these deals will be a major storyline. If they can complete the move for Hincapié while smoothly transitioning Kiwior out, it will represent not just strong squad management but also a sign of the club’s growing efficiency in the transfer market.

The balance Arsenal are striking—pursuing ambition while respecting constraints—is emblematic of their current project. The team is no longer simply building; it is fine-tuning. And as the new season unfolds, the success of these late-window maneuvers may prove decisive in keeping them competitive at the very highest level.