Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to bring Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie to the Emirates on loan, with a purchase clause included.
Discussions between both clubs intensified this week, with Tottenham also having shown interest in the highly-rated centre-back.
Hincapie’s contract at Leverkusen contains a €60 million (£51.8m) release clause, but Arsenal will instead secure him on loan with an obligation to buy for €52m (£45m) next summer, according to The Athletic (via Metro).
As part of the deal, Leverkusen have also inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause should Arsenal decide to sell the player in the future.
Hincapie has already agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners and is expected to arrive in London this weekend to undergo his medical.
During his time in charge of Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso often praised the 22-year-old’s versatility and growth.
“I think he’s a very modern defender,” Alonso said.
“He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back in recent games, but has also been the left centre-back when we’ve played with a back three.
“He’s aggressive, is making better decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind.
“It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him. He’s a great player.”
