Bayer Leverkusen chief makes Piero Hincapie Arsenal admission ahead of deadline day transfer

Arsenal are expected to complete a move for Piero Hincapie. (Image: Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes says that he expects Piero Hincapie's move to Arsenal to be completed. The Ecuadorian defender is said to be in London finalising the terms of his deal after a season-long loan was agreed.

The Gunners go into the international break on the back of their 1-0 defeat to Premier League title rivals , Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick late on proved to be the difference, leaving Arsenal three points off the pace after as many games.

They have received a boost in the market, however, with the Leverkusen chief revealing that he expects the 23-year-old's move to the Premier League to be completed.

"Piero is currently undergoing his medical in London," Rolfes told reporters. "Therefore, the transfer is expected to go through."

The central defender was an unused substitute on the bench for Leverkusen's 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen on Saturday.

The draw was the first point of the season for Die Werkself after their opening day defeat to TSG Hoffenheim. Leverkusen moved into a 3-1 lead at the weekend before a late collapse allowed the 10-man hosts to salvage a point.

It proved to be the final game of Erik ten Hag's tenure at the BayArena. The Dutchman was relieved of his duties on Monday after just two competitive matches in charge.

For Arteta, he was disappointed with the defeat at Anfield but claims his side were 'much better' than last season with an honest assessment post match.

"I am very disappointed with the result," the Spaniard told Sky Sports. "I'm very proud of my players. Both [sets of] players had to dig in to a level where there was nothing between the two. It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic.

"You cannot dominate here for 90 minutes, it is impossible. At the end of the game, I said we have to find a way to win these big matches.

"You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it. We were much better than last year, much better. We have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game."