Arsenal are expected to make Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer, according to reports.
The Gunners are preparing to activate their £45m option to sign the Ecuadorian on a long-term deal after he impressed Mikel Arteta during his first six months at the Emirates.
Arsenal welcomed Hincapie on transfer deadline day in September, after beating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the 24-year-old’s signature.
Hincapie has made 15 Premier League starts so far this season and another two in the Champions League.
Arsenal Aiming to Sign Hincapie Permanently
Piero Hincapie in action for Arsenal against Wolves in the Premier League
According to TEAMtalk, Arteta has made his intentions clear to trigger a permanent deal for Hincapie after the season, having been impressed with the Ecuadorian’s performances.
The Spanish manager is also pleased with how Hincapie has settled into the squad, after taking some time to adjust following his late-summer arrival from Leverkusen.
Hincapie has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League games, including the 4-1 win over Tottenham in the North London derby, when he was picked ahead of Ricardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 24-year-old scored his first goal for the Gunners in the 2-2 draw at Wolves last week, after registering his first assist against Brentford in the previous game.
Arsenal Hold Rafael Leao Talks
Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan
Despite the club still harbouring hopes of a potential quadruple this season, Arsenal chiefs are beginning to plan how the squad could look next term.
According to reports, the Gunners have earmarked AC Milan star Rafael Leao as a potential target and have held initial talks over a move for the Portuguese winger.
Leao will enter the final two years of his contract with Milan in June, and the Serie A side are believed to be open to a sale if they receive an offer close to their valuation of €80m (£70m).
The 26-year-old is Milan’s joint top scorer in Serie A this season with eight goals.
How Could Hincapie’s Move Affect Lewis-Skelly?
arsenal lewis-skelly
With Arsenal preparing a permanent move for Hincapie, we asked ChatGPT how the Ecuadorian’s stay could impact Lewis-Skelly, whose minutes have been limited this season:
Competition for minutes – With Calafiori and Hincapie ahead in the pecking order, Lewis-Skelly may struggle for first-team opportunities next season.
Loan or development pathway – Reduced immediate chances could make a loan move more likely, allowing him to gain experience elsewhere.
Long-term growth – While he faces limited minutes now, training alongside established options could still aid his development and readiness for future opportunities.
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