Bayer Leverkusen have told Arsenal that they will not accept a bid for Piero Hincapie that is lower than his €60 million (£51.8m) release clause, according to reports in Germany.
After completing a £67.5m deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side are now looking to sign Hincapie before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old was a key part of the Leverkusen side that won the German league and cup double under Xabi Alonso last year and has also attracted interest from Tottenham.
Hincapie is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and the Gunners remain in talks with Leverkusen over a fee for the Ecuador international.
However, Kicker and Bild both report that Leverkusen are ‘unwilling and unable’ to accept a bid that does not match his €60m (£51.8m) release clause.
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The report adds that Leverkusen are aware of the strong backlash they would receive from supporters if Hincapie is sold for a cut-price fee.
Arsenal are now said to be considering a loan offer for Hincapie which includes an obligation to buy for €60m (£51.8m) in the next financial year.
Leverkusen are in a strong negotiating position as Hincapie signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club last December which runs until 2029.
Hincapie is said to have informed Leverkusen that he wants to leave before the transfer window closes and was in tears on the pitch after the team’s 2-1 defeat at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
So far this summer, Arsenal have spent in excess of £250m on seven new signings to help Arteta guide the club to their first Premier League title since 2004.
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