Andrea Berta has sussed out something that could help Arsenal to land their seventh signing of the summer transfer window.
Berta has won over Arsenal fans with his work over his first transfer window as the Gunners’ sporting director.
It’s been a summer of dreams for Mikel Arteta, who has had his calls for greater squad depth answered, and then some.
Though Arsenal’s squad depth has significantly improved, Berta isn’t done just yet, with those in N5 hoping to get one more signing over the line.
Andrea Berta knows Arsenal can get Piero Hincapie for cheaper than expected
The transfer window shuts on Monday, giving Berta limited time to complete Piero Hincapie’s transfer to Arsenal.
The North Londoners are interested in the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, who could arrive to replace Jakub Kiwior, who is in talks with Porto.
There is a problem, as Bayer Leverkusen don’t want to sell Hincapie, certainly not for any price lower than his €60m (£52m) release clause.
Arsenal don’t want to pay that much for the defender, whose arrival would take the summer spending to the £300m mark.
There is, however, a loophole that Berta has uncovered, as the Italian found out that Leverkusen have a ‘secret verbal pact’ with Hincapie to let him leave for less than his release clause.
That’s the understanding of trusted Arsenal transfer insider, Hand of Arsenal, who took to X to share the update.
According to Hand of Arsenal, Berta is ‘well informed’ on the intel regarding the verbal pact Leverkusen have with the Ecuadorian, insight that could work in Arsenal’s favour.
Talks are ‘ongoing’ between Berta and Leverkusen, with Arsenal’s sporting director hoping to negotiate a package around the €50m (£43m) region.
What is interesting to note regarding the desire to sign Hincapie is that Berta has set himself a deadline to conclude a possible deal, not wanting to take talks into deadline day to avoid Arsenal ‘scrambling’ to replace Kiwior.
Hincapie only wants Arsenal
It’s not only Berta’s knowledge of Leverkusen’s pact with Hincapie that could help Arsenal land the defender before deadline day.
Hincapie only wants Arsenal, handing Tottenham another transfer blow at the hands of their bitter rivals.
Hand of Arsenal delved into how much the 23-year-old wants to make the Emirates home.
“Important to note that Hincapie rejected other clubs once Andrea made contact, ultimately forcing Leverkusen to deal with Arsenal only.”
The versatile centre-back has made up his mind, with a negotiation regarding the finances of the deal all that’s left to be done for the Gunners.
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