Piero Hincapie faces an awkward conversation with one Arsenal player if he signs for Mikel Arteta's team this summer.
Arsenal have recruited heavily this summer, having signed the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, who was paraded at the Emirates ahead of their victory against Leeds United last Saturday.
The Gunners have added seven new players to their squad and an eighth signing could be on the way.
A deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Hincapie is subject to play exits as Arteta is keeping tabs on his situation.
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But if he joined Arsenal this summer, then he faces an awkward conversation with Cristhian Mosquera, who joined the North London outfit from Valencia earlier this summer.
Mosquera, who cost £17 million, took the No.3 shirt upon arriving at the club.
And Hincapie has worn the No.3 shirt at Leverkusen since the 2022/2023 season.
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The Ecuadorian will have to settle for another squad number if he pens a deal with Arsenal this summer.
Only one first-team squad number is currently available. Following Thomas Partey's departure, the No.5 shirt is vacant.
How close is Piero Hincapie to signing for Arsenal?
Hincapie has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, and the 23-year-old wants to join Arteta's team.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, he has said 'yes' to their proposal, with personal terms agreed.
A long-term contract is ready to be signed.
Hincapie favours a move to Arsenal, with Tottenham also interested in signing him before next month's transfer deadline.
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Arsenal are preparing an opening bid, which would be in the form of a loan with an obligation to buy next year.
He has a release clause of €60 million (£52 million), although, per David Ornstein's initial report, efforts are being made to lower that fee to a more realistic market value.
Hincapie is viewed as an ideal player for Arteta, who will have to offload players before completing the club's eighth transfer of the summer.
Nasir Jabbar