Arsenal latest: Rival ruled out of £86m transfer fight as club chief appears to confirm move

Arsenal are preparing to host Everton in the Premier League this weekend as Mikel Arteta's side look to maintain their seven-point lead at the top

Arsenal are gearing up to welcome Everton in the Premier League, aiming to solidify their position as title favourites. Mikel Arteta's squad currently enjoy a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, albeit having played an extra match.

Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 earlier this week, the Gunners return to domestic duties. David Moyes' side, who have aspirations for European qualification, are next on the fixture list.

Piero Hincapie, who faced his parent club Leverkusen during the week, is anticipated to line up against the Toffees in a defence that has only conceded 22 league goals this season.

The Ecuadorian is presently in north London on an initial loan deal and despite agreeing to a five-year contract for a £45million option to buy, he is not officially an Arsenal player yet. However, a statement from a club executive has virtually confirmed what was expected, as football.london brings you the latest updates surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

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Leverkusen chief confirms transfer

Just prior to Arsenal's draw with Leverkusen, the German club's managing director Simon Rolfes was questioned about the special feeling of welcoming former player Kai Havertz back.

Rolfes not only referenced Havertz but also essentially confirmed that, as anticipated, Hincapie will join Arsenal in the summer. He stated: "I've already texted him (Havertz) so I'm sure he'll need a lot of tickets as he comes from here, so there will certainly be contact.

"And then it's also nice when he went to Chelsea during Covid, it was a big farewell for us, the whole transfer was the basis for the next few years and he really left something here.

"Because of Covid there was never the environment, the opportunity to say goodbye to him, even if we saw each other afterwards. But now I think it's a very special setting for him to come back to the BayArena and for Piero [Hincapie] too, of course. He's still officially our player and is only on loan at the moment but it will come to the transfer and I think for Piero it's just as special too."

Arsenal receive £86million boost

In terms of other potential summer transfers, ex-Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has been linked as a possible target. He is currently impressing in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

Spanish publication Sport has reported that Arsenal have effectively been given a leg up in their alleged pursuit of the Argentine, as his current club are reportedly reluctant to sell to certain teams.

Barcelona had shown interest in the 26-year-old, who Atletico will reportedly only entertain offers over £86m for, but this latest news suggests that he won't be sold to such a close competitor.

Alvarez would have already won over the Arsenal faithful with his midweek display against fierce rivals Tottenham. He netted twice in the 5-2 victory for Atleti.