£52m star ready to snub Tottenham in favour of shock Arsenal transfer

Arsenal are working on further transfer signings (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have expressed interest in hijacking another Tottenham transfer deal by signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for Hincapie, who has informed Leverkusen of his desire to leave the club before the transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old, who can play centre-back or on the left, has made 165 appearances for the Bundesliga side over the past four seasons.

Hincapie, who has 46 international caps for Ecuador, is under contract until 2029 but has a release clause worth 60m euros (£52m).

Tottenham have already seen one offer rejected by Leverkusen but are expected to return with an improved bid.

However, Spurs face the prospect of missing out on another target to north London rivals Arsenal after the Gunners entered the transfer race.

Arsenal have made an official approach for Hincapie and the early indications are that he favours a move to the Gunners, according to The Athletic .