Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over defender Piero Hincapié as the Premier League rivals race to secure the Ecuador international before the transfer window closes. Tottenham have submitted a proposal for an initial loan that would become a mandatory €60 million purchase in 2026, a structure that mirrors the player’s release clause. Spurs have also begun negotiating personal terms with the 23-year-old, who has told Leverkusen he wants to leave after four seasons in Germany. Arsenal have made an official approach but, according to club and industry sources, cannot advance to a formal bid until they move out fringe defenders. Porto are pursuing Jakub Kiwior, while Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future is also under discussion. The London club hope sales will allow them to offer a package close to Hincapié’s £52 million clause, and initial conversations suggest personal terms would not be an obstacle. Leverkusen are prepared to sanction a transfer if the fee matches or nears the clause, leaving the outcome dependent on which suitor meets the Bundesliga side’s valuation first. All parties aim to reach a decision ahead of the 1 September deadline.