Barcelona open talks with Arsenal's Hincapie

Barcelona have opened talks with Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie over a January move to the Nou Camp, according to reports in Spain. Hincapie enjoyed a productive first season at the Emirates Stadium while on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, helping Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

Productive season at Arsenal

The Ecuador international made 39 appearances in all competitions, convincing Arsenal bosses to activate their option to make his move permanent for a fee of over £35m. Hincapie put pen to paper on a five‑year contract but his long‑term future in north London is already in doubt following a frustrating start to the 2026/27 campaign. Due to intense competition and some unfortunate injury setbacks, the 24‑year‑old is still waiting for his first Premier League start and has featured for just 46 minutes in the top‑flight. Reportedly, He is behind Riccardo Calafiori in Arteta’s pecking order at left‑back and saw competition for centre‑back places increase over the summer with the arrival of England international Ezri Konsa.

Barcelona’s renewed pursuit

Barcelona were linked with a move for Hincapie last summer and the Spanish giants have revived their interest ahead of the January transfer window, Barcelona chief Deco has initiated contact and, as La Liga leaders, the club are keen to sign a new centre‑back in January, with sporting director Deco placing Hincapie high on his target list. It is claimed contact has even been made with Hincapie’s representatives to gauge whether a move would be realistic. However, Arteta is said to be ‘very reluctant’ to lose any first‑team players during the winter window as Arsenal expect to fight for major trophies in the second half of the season.

Another player of interest to Barcelona is Alessandro Bastoni, the 27‑year‑old Italy international who has impressed for defending Serie A champions Inter Milan. Hincapie also attracted interest from Real Madrid last summer, with new Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho believed to be an admirer of the Ecuador star.

He came on as a late substitute in Arsenal’s hard‑fought 1‑0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday as the Gunners won at Anfield for the first time in 14 years. Those three points sent Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, three points above previous leaders Manchester City who have lost their last two games. Arsenal return to action in the Champions League on Wednesday night, looking to maintain their unbeaten record against Czech giants Slavia Prague. Arteta’s side won their first two European games without conceding a goal before an entertaining 2‑2 draw with German champions Bayern Munich last time out.