Barcelona’s Interest in Piero Hincapie
Barcelona have shown interest in signing Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie and are prepared to make an initial approach. The La Liga champions are moving quickly in the transfer market, having already agreed on a £70m deal with Newcastle United to bring in England’s Anthony Gordon.
In addition to this, Barca are in discussions to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Deco has also been tasked with securing a new left-sided centre-back for the team. The Spanish giants were previously linked with a move for ex-Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, who spent last season on loan at Porto before a permanent transfer to the Portuguese club.
However, Barcelona are now focusing on other defensive options and are considering a move for Hincapie, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Hincapie’s Performance and Arsenal’s Stance
Hincapie had a successful first season at the Emirates Stadium after his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen, making 38 appearances across all competitions. This helped Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
The Ecuador international was initially set to join Tottenham but was signed by Arsenal on a season-long loan with an option to buy at £45m. Barcelona have been impressed by Hincapie’s contributions this season and are ready to approach the new Premier League champions to explore a potential deal.
Despite this, Arteta and other Arsenal officials are satisfied with Hincapie and decided earlier in the season to activate the clause to keep him in north London. When asked about a permanent signing back in February, Arteta said: “I would say so. Let’s go through the season.”
Arteta’s Comments on Hincapie
Arteta also mentioned that he spoke to new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who managed Hincapie at Leverkusen, before signing the 24-year-old. Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta said: “When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior.’”
“He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.”
“He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”
Potential Sales and Future Moves
While Arsenal seem determined to keep Hincapie, there is speculation that Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could both be sold. Jesus has drawn interest from multiple clubs in Brazil, while Martinelli, Arsenal’s longest-serving player, has suitors across Europe.
Arteta aims to bring in at least three major signings this summer, with the Gunners linked with Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Eli Junior Kroupi. For now, Arteta’s focus is on Saturday’s Champions League final against PSG as he looks to complete a remarkable double.
