Barcelona are preparing a bid for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, potentially disrupting his move from Bayer Leverkusen which was agreed earlier this month, according to the Daily Mail. Hincapie, currently on loan at Arsenal, had an option to buy of £45m activated, set to be finalized on June 15th when the transfer window opens.
However, Barcelona, under new manager Hansi Flick, are seeking to bolster their left-sided defence and have identified the 24-year-old Ecuadorian as a potential target after their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni stalled. The club are reportedly aware that securing Hincapie will be a challenging task, but are determined to test Arsenal’s resolve.
Hincapie has been competing with Riccardo Calafiori for the left-back position at Arsenal, and the report indicates he is content with his situation at the Emirates. Nevertheless, the allure of playing for a major Spanish club could prove persuasive. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is said to be leading the effort to assess the feasibility of a deal.
The potential move for Hincapie comes as Barcelona finalize the £75m signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and have submitted a €100m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. These significant investments suggest a change in financial strategy for the Catalan club, allowing them to pursue additional targets like Hincapie. Should both Gordon and Alvarez arrive, a move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is expected to be off the table.
This development could present an unexpected twist in Arsenal’s summer transfer plans, having already prepared for Hincapie’s permanent arrival. Barcelona’s interest underlines the defender’s growing reputation and potential value in the current market.
