Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has provided a big update on the transfer saga involving Arsenal and Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal have had a fruitful summer on the transfer front and they are looking to finish with a flourish with the signing of Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and talks have been going on between the Gunners and Bayer Leverkusen over the structure of a deal.
Ben Jacobs has now spoken about how “things are starting to speed up” between the clubs amid an internal deadline Arsenal have put in place.
Ben Jacobs says Piero Hincapie to Arsenal is picking up pace amid internal deadline
Jacobs, speaking on the Market Madness Podcast, explained how Arsenal have set an internal deadline for their pursuit of Hincapie.
The Gunners are hoping to strike an agreement with Leverkusen over Hincapie by the end of business on Friday – and things seem to be going in the right direction.
“My understanding is that Arsenal have set an internal deadline so not something that they’ve given to Leverkusen directly,” said Jacobs.
“But, Friday, in other words, they’re hoping for an agreement between now and end of business tomorrow. And there was a meeting this morning and progress has been made.
“The feeling is that it will be a loan with an obligation and Arsenal are still trying for under Hincapie’s €60million release clause and closer if they can to €50million.
“A loan with obligations is the preferred formula, as opposed to an outright purchase; it can still help both clubs as far as putting that money on their books.
“Things are moving and things are starting to speed up now on the club side.”
Two reasons why Arsenal will fancy their chances of signing Piero Hincapie
Leverkusen have played hardball over Hincapie’s signature, but Arsenal have two things on their side.
The first is that Hincapie only wants Arsenal, therefore it’s not as though the Gunners have another task on their to-do list in terms of convincing him to join.
The second is that Leverkusen reportedly have a ‘secret verbal pact’ with Hincapie to let him leave for less than his release clause.
Furthermore, Arsenal director Andrea Berta is apparently ‘well informed’ on this verbal pact between Leverkusen and Hincapie.
This should work in Arsenal’s favour as they look to sign the “fantastic” defender – as per Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig – for a fee below his release clause.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Giuseppe Labellarte