Arsenal and Tottenham set for battle over Bayer Leverkusen ace
Karan Tejwani
- 2 Oct 2022 11:15 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s young Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie, with a view towards making a move for him in the future.
Hincapie has impressed for Leverkusen this season, despite the Bundesliga club’s difficult start to the new season, showing his quality in a rather tame side that has struggled to get going.
The 20-year-old centre-back has had a quick rise in the game, and can also play at left-back, having started off there when he first moved to Europe.
Arsenal aren’t the only club interested in him and there will be stern competition from others across Europe if they are to secure his signature, proving there will be a tough battle for him, possibly as early as January.
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Interest in Hincapie high
Hincapie has started all but two games across all competitions for Leverkusen this season, and his impressive displays in the Champions League have particularly caught the eye.
He’s also expected to be part of the Ecuador squad that will take part in the World Cup this winter as they face hosts Qatar, Senegal and the Netherlands in his country’s return to the competition for the first time since 2006.
His performances at the World Cup could perhaps provide a greater indication of his qualities, and clubs may alter their plans based on that.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal will face competition from north London rivals Tottenham, as well as Milan and Napoli from Serie A, all of whom are looking to improve their back-lines.
Congratulations, @pierohincapie! 👏
After the cut from 60 to 40 talents, Piero Hincapie is still on the list for the "Golden Boy". 💪🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/DT7H6OpPEx— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 26, 2022
Tottenham feel Hincapie would be a good complement to their squad along with Eric Dier and Cristian Romero at the back and are willing to spend big on the defender.
Bayer Leverkusen will want upwards of £22 million for their young defender, with the German side believing he has all the right tools to succeed at the highest level of the game.
Hincapie moved to Leverkusen in August 2021 from Argentine side Tallares, in what was his first foray into European football, and he cost the German club £5 million.
