Arsenal Close In on Piero Hincapie Transfer as Club Secures Funding and Opens Exit Negotiations
Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement that will see backup defender Jakub Kiwior move to Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.
The Gunners have looked to strengthen their center-back options this summer, securing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia while the three-time consecutive Premier League runners-up are pursuing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapié.
Hincapié had also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur before his preference for Arsenal emerged during early discussions. The Ecuador defender is believed to have reached personal agreement on a potential move to north London, though a shortage of outgoing transfers this summer required attention.
Discussions regarding Kiwior's move to Porto have been progressing and it seems a deal has now been finalized. However, there are contradictory reports about the transfer structure. Fabrizio Romano indicates that a loan with mandatory purchase option is nearly complete—featuring a €2 million loan fee, an additional €17 million (£14.7 million, $19.8 million) in guaranteed payments, and potentially €10 million more in performance bonuses. In total, Arsenal could receive up to €29 million if these figures prove accurate.
The Athletic makes no reference to any loan arrangement for Kiwior, reporting that a deal has been agreed for a guaranteed €25 million plus an additional €2 million in performance-related add-ons.
Currently, Kiwior is expected to travel to Porto by Saturday afternoon to complete the formalities. The 25-year-old Polish international, signed from Spezia in 2023, will depart having featured in 68 matches across all competitions during two and a half campaigns.
Hincapié possesses a €60 million buyout clause in his Bayer Leverkusen deal, though Arsenal are reportedly considering negotiating a loan with mandatory purchase that would postpone a permanent move until next summer, while still guaranteeing payment to the German club.
The Gunners must also find buyers for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga, which would help prevent violating UEFA's squad cost regulations, limiting expenditure on transfers, salaries and related expenses to 70% of club revenue.
Marseille in Talks to Sign Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko may have an opportunity to join Marseille, according to The Athletic—a team coached by former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The French club are believed to be considering a permanent acquisition, though their inability to match the versatile Ukrainian's current wages presents a potential obstacle requiring resolution.
Zinchenko, who began his career in midfield, lost his position as Mikel Arteta's first-choice left-back last season to academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly. He has recently expressed his disappointment about transitioning from regular starter to rarely featuring.
Riccardo Calafiori has begun this season as the starting left-back, ahead of Lewis-Skelly, which has pushed Zinchenko, who arrived from Manchester City in July 2022, even further down the hierarchy.