Arsenal have been one of the busiest clubs this summer, and now their focus is shifting to shoring up the backline.
The north London side has reportedly made a £45million bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated Ecuadorian defender, Piero Hincapie.
While much of Mikel Arteta’s transfer business has focused on attacking reinforcements, the Spaniard is keen to balance his squad with defensive firepower before the window closes next week.
Hincapie has been on Arsenal’s radar for months as they look to bolster their centre-back options.
Negotiations Underway for Hincapie
Hincapie reportedly has a release clause set at £52million, but Arsenal are hoping to strike a deal below that figure.
The club’s current bid of £45million is understood to be their opening offer, and negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen could determine whether a move materializes before the deadline.
Interestingly, any decision on Hincapie could influence Arsenal’s dealings elsewhere, particularly regarding Porto’s interest in defender Jakub Kiwior.
The domino effect of one transfer could shape the final pieces of Arteta’s summer squad.
Gunners’ Promising Start to the Season
Arsenal have started the season in impressive fashion.
After a hard-fought win at Old Trafford on opening day, the Gunners cruised past Leeds at the Emirates last Saturday.
New signing Viktor Gyokeres marked his debut with a goal, giving fans a glimpse of the attacking potential Arteta has been assembling.
The club now faces a much sterner test, traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a top-of-the-table showdown.
This clash will likely be the toughest challenge for the Gunners so far this campaign.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Anfield Trip
Adding to the drama, Arsenal could be without key players Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
Both were substituted during the Leeds match with knocks, and the full extent of their injuries is still unclear.
If they are sidelined, Arteta may hand Eberechi Eze a starting role.
The England international made a big-money move from Crystal Palace, where he scored 14 goals and contributed 11 assists last season, helping the Eagles lift the FA Cup.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Eze can replicate that form at Anfield.
Balancing Attack and Defense
The next few days could be crucial for Arsenal as they finalize their summer business and prepare for a title-chasing season.
With Hincapie potentially joining, and new signings like Eze already integrated, Arteta is aiming to create a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
Every decision in the transfer window will have ripple effects, and the Anfield clash will be the first real test of how well the Gunners’ summer plans are coming together.
