Arsenal are widely reported to be pursuing a late deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, but sporting director Andrea Berta is known to have a plan B.

Hincapie has already agreed personal terms and gave his resounding ‘yes’ to Mikel Arteta’s project at N5, according to reliable media sources, and this move will have a correlating effect on defender Jakub Kiwior’s exit to FC Porto.

Many believed Arsenal were done and dusted for this window after sensationally hijacking Tottenham’s deal for Eberechi Eze, but with Kiwior potentially departing, Berta is lining up a replacement for the Poland international.

Kiwior deputised excellently in the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes.when the Brazilian was injured towards the back end of 2024/2025, and Arteta reportedly viewed the 25-year-old as an ‘important’ player in his squad as a result.

Once, or if, the ex-Spezia starlet leaves for Portugal, Arsenal need a replacement and solid back-up to the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba – especially if they’re serious about ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

As Arteta found out last season, injuries can take a major toll on their charge, so the Spaniard cannot risk relying on Saliba and Gabriel to stay fit all season long – as that is very unlikely to be the case.

Their move for Hincapie makes perfect sense, with the Ecuador international fresh off a solid campaign at Leverkusen and proven at the top level.

However, the 23-year-old also commands a price tag of around £52 million, and it remains to be seen whether the Bundesliga side will sell to the Gunners this late in the transfer window.

While Hincapie is keen on the move, Leverkusen remains a major obstacle, and a potential alternative who’s been on Berta’s radar comes in the form of Palmeiras starlet Luis Benedetti.

Arsenal have made Luis Benedetti offer to Palmeiras

The 19-year-old is vastly inexperienced compared to Hincapie, making just a handful of senior appearances for Palmeiras, but he’s been praised by sections of the media as a “towering” and “aggressive” rising star defender.

According to journalists Diego Firmino and Felipe Lemos, sharing a scoop to TV Espirito, it is believed that Arsenal have offered around £8.5 million for Benedetti, but it was a no from Palmeiras, who are seeking £13 million plus bonuses to sell the teenager.

The Brazilian interestingly works with the same representatives as Arsenal defender Gabriel, so that connection could help them to facilitate a deal if Arteta’s side opt to go back in for Benedetti.