Arsenal are working on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen centre back Piero Hincapie.
The Ecuador international has been on Arsenal's radar for some months and has expressed a desire to leave the Bundesliga club amid growing interest from Premier League sides.
Hincapie has a £52million release clause but Arsenal are exploring ways of striking a deal on reduced terms.
The Ecuador international shares the same agent as Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
He had been proposed to the Stamford Bridge club as Enzo Maresca voiced concerns about having suitable cover but Chelsea moved to say they would not be pursuing a deal.