Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes has played down rumours that Piero Hincapie could be set to join Arsenal and insists the club are yet to receive an ‘official offer’ for the defender.
Hincapie has established himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in German football since joining Leverkusen from Argentine outfit Talleres in 2021.
The 23-year-old has made 166 appearances in all competitions across four years with Leverkusen and played a key role as the club made history by winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the German Super Cup two seasons ago.
But speculation has been mounting that Hincapie could be on his way out of BayArena, with north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham doing battle for the versatile centre-half – who can also play left-back – this summer.
Hincapie has informed Leverkusen’s hierarchy of his desire to leave before the transfer deadline and the Ecuador international is reportedly ready to snub Spurs’ interest in favour of a switch to the Emirates.
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Some reports suggest Hincapie has even agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but the Gunners are yet to shake hands with Leverkusen when it comes to a possible fee.
Hincapie has a hefty €60million (£51.7m) release clause in his contract at Leverkusen and the Bundesliga club are not prepared to accept any bids that fall below that figure.
‘We still haven’t received an official offer from any club, so he’s our player. That’s the status quo,’ Leverkusen sporting director Rolfes told German outlet Sport.de when asked for an update on Wednesday.
‘Leverkusen naturally want to keep hold of Piero.
‘He knows that we value him highly and is aware that we would like to see him continue with us.’
On Europe’s big clubs sniffing around Leverkusen’s top stars, Rolfes replied: ‘It’s a part and consequence of the success.’
Leverkusen have signed a total of 13 players across an exceptionally busy summer transfer window – and Rolfes is hopeful the club can further strengthen before the deadline.
‘The transfer window is still open until Monday evening so the probability is high that something will still happen,’ he added.
A visibly emotional Hincapie was pictured fighting back the tears shortly after Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim last weekend.
Moments later, the young Ecuadorian appeared to say his goodbyes to Leverkusen fans as he made his way towards the tunnel.
Arsenal are targeting Hincapie as a long-term replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who is on the cusp of a move to Porto.
It’s understood the overall deal will cost Porto around £23m, with the Poland defender to join the Primeira Liga outfit on loan before completing a permanent transfer next summer.
Kiwior is eager to finalise his proposed switch to Porto, but must ‘await authorisation’ from Arsenal before making catching a flight to Portugal.
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