€60 million release clause
Tottenham and Arsenal are set to clash once again as both Premier League clubs vie for the signature of Piero Hincapié. The London rivals previously competed for Eberechi Eze, who ultimately chose to join Arsenal, leaving Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy under fire for not acting sooner.
This summer, history may repeat itself as Arsenal again challenges Spurs for Bayer Leverkusen’s Hincapié. Reports indicate Tottenham has already made an official offer, while Arsenal is yet to submit a formal bid but is showing interest. However, David Ornstein suggests Hincapié may prefer a transfer to Arsenal, which could pose a setback for Tottenham.
Arsenal and Tottenham Pursue Piero Hincapié
Hincapié has expressed a desire to leave Leverkusen despite being under contract until 2029. While Leverkusen would like to retain the Ecuadorian international, his contract includes a €60 million release clause. It is uncertain whether either club will activate this clause this summer, particularly with Hincapié’s current market value matching it at €60 million.
Tottenham’s initial proposal was for a loan deal with an obligation to buy at the €60 million release clause next summer. In contrast, Arsenal has yet to place a bid, although their interest may depend on offloading some players—reports suggest a €20 million deal for Jakub Kiwior is in progress with Porto. Hincapié primarily plays as a centre-back but can also perform as a left-back, making him an attractive option for both clubs. His emotional reaction after Bayer’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim hints at his eagerness to depart.
Regarding Hincapié’s motivation to leave Leverkusen, Transfermarkt’s Bundesliga expert, Lennart Gens, stated: “Unlike last year, Leverkusen is no longer in title contention and will be competing for spots 2 through 6. This shift has also motivated players like Granit Xhaka to leave, and Hincapié may feel the same way. His growth in the Bundesliga is complete, and to advance his career, a move to the Premier League is necessary. Although Bayer management has expressed a desire to keep their key players, the recent signing of Loïc Badé may influence that stance, despite previous claims of maintaining their current defensive lineup—a likely tactic to keep transfer fees high.”
