Barcelona Plans Bid for Arsenal Defender Piero Hincapie

Barcelona is exploring the possibility of acquiring Piero Hincapie from Arsenal as part of their efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup this transfer window. The Spanish champions are evaluating the feasibility of signing the 24-year-old defender, who is currently on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen.

Reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Barcelona recognizes the difficulty in persuading Arsenal to part with Hincapie but plans to inquire about the club’s willingness to sell the player. The loan agreement includes a mandatory buy-out clause that will activate once certain conditions are met, which are reportedly straightforward. If triggered, Arsenal would be required to pay a €52 million transfer fee to secure Hincapie on a five-year contract.

Hincapie has established himself as a key figure in Arsenal’s defense, regularly starting under manager Mikel Arteta, especially in significant matches. He is expected to feature in Arsenal’s starting lineup for the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. The Ecuadorian international, who has earned 51 caps for his national team, reportedly feels comfortable living in London.

Barcelona has already initiated its summer transfer activities, completing the signing of England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United to enhance their left flank. Additionally, the club is preparing to welcome Julian Alvarez from Atlético Madrid and Bernardo Silva, formerly captain of Manchester City.

Sporting director Deco remains focused on adding at least one more center-back to the squad. Despite Barcelona’s considerable debts, the club now has the financial means to invest in new players. Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan was initially the preferred target, but negotiations have stalled.

Hincapie, a left-footed defender capable of advancing along the wing, fits Barcelona’s profile for defensive recruits. He transferred to Bayer Leverkusen from CA Talleres in 2021 for just under €6.5 million and developed quickly, playing a significant role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and DFB Cup double under coach Xabi Alonso last season.

This summer, Hincapie will represent Ecuador in the World Cup finals hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, facing Germany in the third group stage matchday.

Barcelona’s record transfer fees include:

• Ousmane Dembélé, Forward, Borussia Dortmund, 2017, €148 million
• Philippe Coutinho, Midfielder, Liverpool FC, 2018, €135 million
• Antoine Griezmann, Forward, Atlético Madrid, 2019, €120 million
• Neymar, Attack, FC Santos, 2013, €88 million
• Frenkie de Jong, Midfielder, Ajax Amsterdam, 2019, €86 million
• Luis Suárez, Forward, Liverpool FC, 2014, £71.8 million
• Anthony Gordon, Forward, Newcastle United, 2026, €80 million
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Forward, Inter Milan, 2009, €69.5 million
• Miralem Pjanic, Midfielder, Juventus, 2020, £60 million
• Raphina, Midfield, Leeds United, 2022, €58 million