Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur target Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners made it three straight second-place finishes in the Premier League, ending the campaign with 74 points, 10 behind champions Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta seems to be strengthening his side for the upcoming season, signing the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who was close to joining Spurs before being snatched by Arsenal.
The Gunners could again steal another one of Spurs’ targets in Piero Hincapie, with the North London club working on a deal for the defender.
Hincapie started in Leverkusen’s opening game of the Bundesliga season, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim.
Arsenal move to swoop Spurs target.
According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. The 23-year-old is also a target for Spurs, who have reportedly submitted a loan offer with an obligation to buy for €60 million.
The Ecuadorian is reportedly prioritising a move to the Emirates over Spurs, although Arsenal’s pursuit of Hincanpie may depend on departures.
Leverkusen want to keep the defender unless his €60 million release clause is activated.
Meanwhile, FC Porto have submitted an offer for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, which could help open up a move for Hincapie.
How did Hincapie fare last season?
The Ecuadorian international was a key player for Leverkusen last season, as they finished second in the league, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
Hincapie was a consistent starter in the Bundesliga, making 32 appearances, scoring twice and assisting a further two.
The 23-year-old carried his league form into Germany’s domestic cup competitions. The Ecuadorian helped Leverkusen reach the DFB Pokal semi-finals, making three appearances as they lost 2-1 to Arminia Bielefeld. He also started in the Franz-Beckenbauer-Supercup as Leverkusen lifted the trophy, winning 6-5 on penalties.
The defender was also a starter for the German side in the Champions League, playing nine times, scoring once as Leverkusen reached the last 16, where they lost 5-0 to Bayern Munich on aggregate.
Overall, Hincapie was a key player for Leverkusen last season, making 45 appearances, scoring three and assisting twice, helping his side finish the season in second, qualifying for the Champions League.
Would this be a good move for Arsenal?
Arsenal ended the campaign without silverware, finishing second in the premier league with 74 points, 10 fewer than the champions Liverpool. The Gunners impressed in the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by the eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
It seems now Mikel Arteta’s side is preparing for the upcoming campaign, signing Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke from rivals Chelsea, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Mosquera from La Liga, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and most recently Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.
However, it appears the Gunners are looking to bring in some more reinforcements to their defence, and one defender who could help strengthen the defence is Piero Hincapie.
During his time at Leverkusen, Hincapie has showcased his versatility, being able to operate both as a centre-back and as a left-back.
This could be a valuable asset for Arteta, as it could give him the chance to use Hincapie in multiple positions and roles to suit various formations, styles of play and help ease any fitness concerns.
The 23-year-old is quick, strong defensively and comfortable on the ball, which could suit how Arsenal play with a highline, making him a good cover for the defenders they currently have.
His ability on the ball could make him a good option on the left, too, as he can carry the ball and bring the team forward. Last season, Hincapie averaged 1.65 progressive carries per90.
This could be a very smart signing for the Gunners if they move in for him, as they would be getting a young, versatile defender who could add strong depth to the Arsenal backline.
