€60 million release clause
Tottenham is once again set to miss out to Arsenal in the transfer market. Both English Premier League clubs are eyeing Piero Hincapié, with Arsenal now poised to secure the Bayer Leverkusen defender. According to The Athletic, Arsenal has agreed to a deal worth €52 million, along with a 10% sell-on clause. The North London rivals previously contested for Eberechi Eze, but the England international chose Mikel Arteta’s side, leading to considerable embarrassment for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, with many fans believing he should have acted sooner.
This situation has unfolded once more, with Arsenal having outmaneuvered Spurs for Hincapié. Tottenham’s first offer, a loan-to-buy deal, was turned down by Leverkusen. Initially, Leverkusen insisted that any interested club meet Hincapié’s release clause of €60 million. However, with the player expressing a desire to leave, Leverkusen was willing to consider a deal slightly below that figure. Reports suggested that Hincapié favored a move to Arsenal, and now his preference is set to be fulfilled.
Arsenal and Tottenham target Piero Hincapié
Hincapié made clear his intention to leave Leverkusen this summer, bidding farewell to fans after the club’s 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim last Saturday, even though he is under contract until 2029. While Leverkusen hoped to retain Hincapié, the player was determined to make a move.
Tottenham’s initial proposition was for a loan with an obligation to buy at his €60 million release clause next summer. Arsenal entered the race later, needing to offload players first. Porto is reportedly close to finalizing a €20 million deal for Jakub Kiwior. Hincapié primarily plays as a center-back but can also function as a left-back, which makes him an attractive target for both clubs. The defender appeared emotional following the defeat to Hoffenheim, signaling his eagerness to leave.
Lennart Gens, Transfermarkt’s Bundesliga expert, explained why Hincapié is looking to depart Leverkusen: “Unlike last year, Leverkusen is no longer in contention for the title and will be fighting for places 2 to 6 instead. This was a significant factor in Granit Xhaka’s decision to leave, and Hincapié’s situation likely mirrors that. His development in the Bundesliga is complete, and to advance his career, a move to the Premier League is essential. Bayer management had previously stated they wanted to hold onto their regular starters, including Hincapié. However, the recent signing of Loïc Badé may have shifted their stance, despite claims that the current defensive lineup would remain unchanged, which could have been a tactic to drive up Hincapié’s price.
