Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is close to becoming Arsenal’s latest major signing of the summer transfer window.

This is according to European transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via Football Transfer).

The Gunners have accelerated their interest in Hincapie in recent days as Jakub Kiwior has pushed to leave for Porto.

Although Kiwior was forced to cancel a private jet to take him to Portugal as Arsenal’s talks for the 23-year-old Ecuador international defender stalled, Romano reports that the deal is picking up pace again.

Taking to X, the football transfer news reporter said: “Arsenal are now in direct talks with Bayer for Piero Hincapie deal after personal terms agreed.

“Arsenal’s preference for loan with obligation as deal now depends on structure to be approved or not by Leverkusen.

“If Hincapie deal can be agreed, Kiwior can join FC Porto.”

Hincapie, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €59 million, is being signed to provide backup on the left side of the defence to William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori as he can play either as a centre-back or a full-back.