News Focus
- Barcelona have asked about the availability of Arsenal loanee Piero Hincapie
- The Ecuador defender has a €52m clause to make his Arsenal move permanent
- Hincapie plays as a left-sided centre-back and can also cover at left-back
- The Gunners have not yet decided whether to sign him permanently from Bayer Leverkusen
- The 24-year-old has made 38 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season
Barcelona have contacted Arsenal to ask about signing defender Piero Hincapie. The Catalan club are looking for reinforcements on the left side of their defence.
Hincapie joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. The deal includes a €52m option to buy the player permanently. However, Arsenal have not confirmed if they will exercise this option.
The 24-year-old Ecuador international can play at centre-back and left-back. Barcelona had previously tried to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, but manager Hansi Flick had doubts about that transfer.
This season, Hincapie has played 38 matches for Arsenal in all competitions. He has scored one goal and provided two assists. He started 29 games, including the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Hincapie has won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen and the Premier League with Arsenal. He has also earned 51 caps for the Ecuador national team. Despite his experience, he has played mostly at left-back rather than in the centre of defence during his time in London.
Barcelona have already spent €80m on Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon this summer. They are also reportedly interested in Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez. The club must raise between €30m and €50m through player sales before they can register any new signings.