Bayer Leverkusen have told Arsenal that they’ll not accept a bid for Piero Hincapie that’s lower than his €60 million (£51.8m) release clause, in accordance with reports in Germany.
After completing a £67.5m deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side at the moment are seeking to sign Hincapie before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old was a key a part of the Leverkusen side that won the German league and cup double under Xabi Alonso last yr and has also attracted interest from Tottenham.
Hincapie is known to have already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and the Gunners remain in talks with Leverkusen over a fee for the Ecuador international.
Nevertheless, Kicker and Bild each report that Leverkusen are ‘unwilling and unable’ to just accept a bid that doesn’t match his €60m (£51.8m) release clause.
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The report adds that Leverkusen are aware of the strong backlash they might receive from supporters if Hincapie is sold for a cut-price fee.
Arsenal at the moment are said to be considering a loan offer for Hincapie which incorporates an obligation to purchase for €60m (£51.8m) in the following financial yr.
Leverkusen are in a robust negotiating position as Hincapie signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club last December which runs until 2029.
Hincapie is alleged to have informed Leverkusen that he wants to depart before the transfer window closes and was in tears on the pitch after the team’s 2-1 defeat at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
To this point this summer, Arsenal have spent in excess of £250m on seven latest signings to assist Arteta guide the club to their first Premier League title since 2004.
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