Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a long-term contract, snubbing Tottenham in the process. Arsenal will now negotiate a fee with Leverkusen for the Ecuadorian centre-back as they bid to hijack another Spurs transfer following the capture of Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal beat Spurs in Hincapie chaseDefender agrees personal terms with GunnersArteta adding greater depth to backlineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After already swooping to land Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million ($91m), a player Tottenham had chased hard, Arsenal now appear ready to rub more salt in their rivals' wounds by securing Hincapie. The 22-year-old has said “yes” to a switch to Arsenal, leaving Spurs staring at another bitter defeat in the transfer market, as revealed by

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Arsenal are now preparing their opening bid for Hincapie, believed to be structured as a loan with a mandatory purchase clause. Leverkusen would receive guaranteed money sooner under this proposal compared to Tottenham’s offer, which intended to delay payment until 2026 despite matching the €60m (£52m/$70m) release clause. While Arsenal may not reach the same headline figure as Spurs, the fact that Leverkusen would see immediate returns, combined with Hincapie's clear preference for the Gunners, could swing the deal firmly in their favour.

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Arsenal’s defensive reshuffle will almost certainly lead to departures. Jakub Kiwior is tipped to head to FC Porto in a loan deal with an obligation to buy for around £25m ($32m), a figure that would cover nearly half the cost of Hincapie. Oleksandr Zinchenko is also thought to be edging closer to an exit, meaning Mikel Arteta could revamp his defensive unit while ensuring the balance sheet remains stable.

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Beyond the tactical reasons, the pursuit of Hincapie sends a strong message. Arsenal aren’t just strengthening; they’re doing so at Tottenham’s expense. Each hijacked transfer has ramped up the psychological battle between the north London rivals, with Arsenal’s efficient moves casting a shadow over Spurs’ plans.