Fabrizio Romano shares ‘crucial’ update as Arsenal look to sign Piero Hincapie

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Arsenal have made positive progress towards signing Piero Hincapie in the final days of the summer transfer window.

The defender has been linked with the Gunners in the past, but it seems as though there is a real possibility of landing him this time.

Arsenal have held talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Hincapie, while personal terms have already been agreed with the player.

It remains to be seen if a deal can be done for the Ecuadorian international, but there are some big decisions to be made.

One involves a potential outgoing that could trigger the signing itself, with Andrea Berta left to make the best decision for Arsenal.

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Arsenal left to decide on Piero Hincapie deal with Jakub Kiwior transfer exit impact

With most of the groundwork now done on Piero Hincapie’s potential move to Arsenal, there are some big decisions to be made.

The signing could see the Gunners top £300 million as a spend for the summer, meaning some exits are needed.

Jakub Kiwior’s transfer to Porto is set to play a part in everything, as Fabrizio Romano reveals the crucial step left surrounding both deals.

Speaking on his latest YouTube video, the transfer expert said: “Piero Hincapie, agreement on personal terms with Arsenal.

“Very good contacts in the recent hours with Hincapie and Arsenal. Very good contact on the contract, the contract is all agreed, the player has said yes to Arsenal.

“Really attracted to the project, really attracted by the possibility to be an important player for Mikel Arteta.

“What I’m hearing is that the Kiwior situation is crucial… today Porto sent an official bid over €25 million [£21.6 million], it’s €26 million [£22.5 million] between loan fee with obligation to buy for Jakub Kiwior.

“Now it’s Arsenal who have to decide what they want to do. If they accept, let Kiwior go and close the deal for Piero Hincapie or not.”

It’s a big decision to make, one that involves questions surrounding the fee involved, the overall finances and how they compare.

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How Jakub Kiwior and Piero Hincapie compare in statistics

There are several factors to consider for Arsenal over these two deals, but if all things are even, then the choice seems obvious.

Kiwior seemingly wants first-team football, something he isn’t going to get much of for the Gunners in the coming season.

At the same time, Hincapie knows what the project is at the Emirates Stadium and is ready to battle for his place in the team.

Beyond not only their attitudes towards the project, but in comparison too, there are some clear calls.

Kiwior is now 25, preparing to enter his peak and ready for a new challenge, while Hincapie is a few years younger and still developing.

Despite that, they have somewhat of a similar experience in their career so far.

Both measure up similarly, but Hincapie has more experience playing in a top-five league in Europe, which, combined with his young age, could give him the edge overall.