Arsenal Close to Sealing €52 Million Defensive Coup as Kiwior Prepares for Exit

Arsenal have secured an agreement to bring in Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié through an initial loan arrangement, according to confirmed reports.

The North London club has been pursuing defensive reinforcements as they prepare to approve Jakub Kiwior's exit, with the Polish defender set to move to Porto in a transfer valued at up to €27 million (£23.4 million, $31.5 million) with performance-related bonuses.

While Cristhian Mosquera has already arrived to provide additional depth alongside William Saliba and Gabriel, Hincapié is now heading to the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal's successful loan negotiations with Leverkusen.

The specific details of Arsenal's arrangement remain unclear, though. The Athletic reports the agreement contains an option for the Gunners to secure a permanent transfer next summer, while Fabrizio Romano maintains the buy clause is obligatory.

Regardless, Arsenal are understood to have committed an upfront fee of €6 million for Hincapié's services, with an additional €46 million allocated for a potential permanent acquisition next summer.

Hincapié is expected to arrive in London this weekend to undergo medical examinations before finalizing his Arsenal contract.

The 23-year-old will join to strengthen the left flank of Arsenal's defensive setup. Though primarily a centre-back, he possesses left-back experience and will provide an additional alternative should Oleksandr Zinchenko complete a move before Monday's transfer window closure.

Marseille are currently negotiating for the Ukrainian player, who has openly expressed his frustration about losing his starting position to rising talent Myles Lewis-Skelly. Riccardo Calafiori represents another flexible, left-sided choice available to Mikel Arteta.