Barcelona weighing – Barcelona are weighing up a move for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, but recognise any approach—triggering an option worth £45m and including a 10% sell-on—will be difficult. The club is also driving its recruitment with a £70m-plus deal for Anthony Gordon, a
Barcelona have started turning the page on the season by looking hard at their next domino to move—and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie sits at the top of that list.
The Spanish champions are considering an approach for the 24-year-old, while admitting the deal won’t be simple. Arsenal still have a pre-agreed route to keep him in place: Hincapie joined last summer from Bayer Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy for £45million and a 10 percent sell-on clause. Should Arsenal trigger that option, a five-year contract is pre-agreed.
For Barcelona, the appeal is clear. Hincapie has settled quickly at the Emirates, showing himself as a reliable option in both centre-back and left-back roles. Mikel Arteta has repeatedly leaned on him in important games. including a telling moment when he discussed the defender with Chelsea’s new head coach. Xabi Alonso. Arteta revealed that Alonso described Hincapie as “a warrior who would run through walls for you”.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco knows, though, that the timing and the price make this a delicate test. The Ecuador international has already made 38 appearances as Arsenal stand on the brink of a Premier League and Champions League double—an outcome that naturally increases the pressure to keep key pieces intact.
Arteta did not pretend otherwise when asked if he expects Arsenal to take up the option permanently. “I would say so. Let’s go through the season. We have already discussed the possible outcomes that we have after that period. But so far, we are very, very happy with him.”
Even as Barcelona weigh the risk of pushing for a player who appears to have a strong future at Arsenal. the club is already spending to reshape its squad. Barcelona have kickstarted their recruitment drive by agreeing a £70million plus deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. Gordon is arriving for his medical today.
They are also preparing an offer for striker Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid. But Barcelona recognise the obstacle course there too: the rivalry between clubs and the likely price tag make it “not straightforward”. Alvarez remains high enough on Arsenal’s radar to be part of the wider reshaping that both teams are planning—especially with Paris Saint-Germain also understood to be interested in the Atletico forward.
Arsenal, meanwhile, want to upgrade their full-back and attack options, and they are also seeking increased competition in midfield. That leaves the club open to tough financial choices. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are both considered players who could depart.
Jesus’ situation adds a note of friction to any potential sale plans. The 29-year-old Brazilian has indicated he would like to see out his contract, even as interest is priced at £18m and above for those willing to bid.
Deco’s team can afford to probe for Hincapie. but Barcelona know they are effectively testing how Arsenal view their own plans—particularly when the end of the season could determine how valuable a “warrior” becomes to the stretch towards history. Arsenal’s eventual reply. should Barcelona pursue their interest. is expected to be the clearest signal of how firmly Hincapie is seen going forward.
Barcelona Arsenal Piero Hincapie Mikel Arteta Xabi Alonso Anthony Gordon Newcastle United Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid Premier League Champions League Gabriel Jesus Leandro Trossard transfer news