Arsenal and Tottenham Battle for Hincapie, Wolves Reject Newcastle's Bid for Strand Larsen

 

The transfer window is heating up as North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur engage in a fierce battle to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s versatile defender Piero Hincapie. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian, who can play as a center-back or left-back, has caught the attention of both Premier League clubs with his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. 

According to reports, Tottenham have already submitted a loan offer with a €60m obligation to buy, but Leverkusen rejected the proposal due to its payment structure. Arsenal, meanwhile, has held direct talks with Hincapie’s representatives, and sources suggest the player favors a move to the Gunners, potentially influenced by Mikel Arteta’s vision. 

Leverkusen, despite signing Loïc Badé, are reluctant to let Hincapie go unless their €60m release clause is met, setting the stage for a dramatic transfer tussle as the deadline approaches.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers have rebuffed a £50m bid from Newcastle United for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Magpies, looking to bolster their attacking options amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future, identified the Norwegian forward as a potential replacement for Callum Wilson, who moved to West Ham.
 Wolves, however, are keen to retain Strand Larsen and are reportedly preparing to offer him a new contract to fend off further interest. Newcastle’s pursuit of the 25-year-old is unlikely to end here, with the club expected to return with an improved offer before the window closes.