EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal in Deadline Day transfer talks over three stars

Steve Kay

• Updated: 1 Sep 2025 06:36 CDT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in a Transfer Deadline Day swoop, but the Gunners could also see three players depart in the hours before the transfer window closes.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are working hard to get a deal for versatile defender Hincapie over the line, but the arrival of the Ecuador international could have a knock-on effect elsewhere in the squad.

FootballTransfers understands that West Ham United are trying to sign Oleksandr Zinchencko, whose status would be further diminished by the arrival of the South American, who is expected to join on an initial loan deal.

Although Arsenal are open to a deal, Arteta has personally spoken to Zinchenko. The Ukraine international has been told that he still has a future at the club.

In addition to this, FootballTransfers can confirm that Fabio Vieira is undergoing a medical with Hamburg in a deal that is likely to be completed.

Three clubs chase Reiss Nelson

One other player who could still leave Arsenal before the deadline is Reiss Nelson, who has failed to hold down a regular spot in the plans of the first team since breaking through from the academy in 2017.

He has played 90 times for the Gunners but could now be set for a permanent move away from the club after previous loan spells at Feyenoord, Hoffenheim and Fulham.

FootballTransfers understands that there are three Premier League sides interested in signing the versatile 25-year-old. Fulham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all eager to add him to their squads and the player’s representatives are in talks with these sides.

Nelson, who has not appeared in any of Arsenal’s squads this season, has a contract that runs until 2027.

With Arsenal having the biggest net spend in the Premier League so far this summer, any opportunity to cut that figure is likely to be welcomed from Arteta’s perspective as the Gunners strive to secure Premier League glory.

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