Arsenal appear to be closing in on their eighth signing of a high-spending summer, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié emerging as the club’s top defensive target. The Ecuadorian, known for his aggression, mobility, and left-sided versatility, is reportedly open to the move — but a few dominoes must fall first.

Hincapié is under contract with a €60 million release clause, a sum Arsenal are trying to negotiate down. While Leverkusen would prefer a direct sale, sources in Germany suggest they are now considering a loan deal with obligation to buy, allowing Arsenal more flexibility in payments. If agreed, this structure would enable the move to proceed without immediate full compensation. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that an agreement is “almost done” with a “here we go soon” expected, while The Times also reported Arsenal’s growing confidence in striking a deal.

The urgency is clear: Arsenal need to offload space in the squad and funds to make Hincapié’s acquisition viable. Central to that plan is the expected departure of Poland defender Jakub Kiwior, who looks increasingly likely to join FC Porto. According to reports from Portugal, the deal is said to be a loan with obligation to buy, valued around €25–26 million, though some assessments suggest the final package could edge toward £30 million once add-ons are included.

Several outlets, including FourFourTwo, have indicated that although Porto is confident of sealing the arrangement, Arsenal are only prepared to let Kiwior go once they’ve secured Hincapié as a replacement. This reflects a careful strategy: Arsenal won’t weaken their defense without a capable successor in place.

Arseblog has added further detail, noting Porto already had a private jet lined up to bring Kiwior in for his medical, but the flight was delayed due to pending documentation. Despite that small setback, Porto insiders remain confident the move will still close this week. JustArsenal echoed this sentiment, suggesting the deal is at an advanced stage and only a matter of time before it is finalised.

Summing up the scenario: Arsenal are aggressively pursuing a defensive revamp. If Hincapié’s transfer is finalised, it would represent a high-profile coup and a strategic investment in the future—adding pace, tenacity, and left-sided balance at the back. Meanwhile, Kiwior’s departure would free up both financial and tactical flexibility, allowing the club to reconfigure the center-back group as Mikel Arteta had planned.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal fans can expect more movement soon — especially on these two linked deals.