Barcelona are seemingly prioritizing strengthening their forward line this summer, especially after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. However, reports from England suggest that the Catalan club is also exploring the possibility of acquiring Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie.
Earlier in April, Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, reportedly reaching an agreement on personal terms. However, concerns raised by Hansi Flick are said to have halted this potential transfer. Since then, Barcelona have reportedly invested €80 million in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. Their reported next targets include Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez, indicating a trust in Gerard Martin to be a permanent solution at left-sided central defense.
Barcelona Linked with a Move for Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie joined Arsenal on loan last season with an option to buy for €52 million from Bayer Leverkusen. According to reports via ESPN, Arsenal have yet to confirm whether they will make this deal permanent. Consequently, Barcelona have made inquiries regarding Hincapie’s situation and the feasibility of a transfer. Similar to Bastoni, Hincapie is a left-sided defender and can also play at left-back – positions that have experienced some uncertainty for Barcelona this season. Barcelona were previously credited with an interest in Hincapie in 2025.
Hincapie’s Performances at Arsenal
The 24-year-old has had a largely positive year at the Emirates Stadium, participating in 38 matches, scoring one goal, and providing two assists. This achievement comes despite facing competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, and William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in central defense. Out of his appearances, 29 were starts, and Hincapie featured in the starting lineup for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. He spent most of the latter half of the season playing at left-back, having started the year playing more frequently in the center.
Hincapie already boasts 51 caps for Ecuador and has experience winning the Bundesliga and the Premier League, with a Champions League final still to play. It’s true that his best performances at Bayer Leverkusen came in a back three formation. At Arsenal, he has spent more time at left-back, which might mean he isn’t perfectly suited to leading a back four from the center-back position.
