Arsenal have agreed a loan cope with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Piero Hincapie.
Mikel Arteta’s side have held talks with Leverkusen this week over a deal for the Ecuador international, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham.
Hincapie has a €60 million (£51.8m) release clause in his cope with Leverkusen and the Bundesliga side have wanted Arsenal to pay the total amount.
Nonetheless, The Athletic reports that Arsenal will sign Hincapie on loan but have an obligation to purchase the defender for €52m (£45m) next 12 months.
Leverkusen have also negotiated a ten per cent sell-on clause as a part of their agreement with Arsenal.
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Hincapie, who has agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal, will travel to London this weekend to undergo a medical.
Speaking during his time as Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso was filled with praise for Hincapie’s ability.
‘I believe he’s a really modern defender,’ Alonso said.
‘He can play in numerous positions. He’s served us as a full-back in recent games, but has also been the left centre-back after we’ve played with a back three.
‘He’s aggressive, is making higher decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind.
‘It motivates me to have a player together with his potential and desire because he helps you and also you help him. He’s an awesome player.’
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