At a Glance:
Arsenal will need some outgoings in the summer to sign a big name
Spanish champions Barcelona want to sign a young Arsenal star
Despite this, the player in question will most likely not leave
2026 has been a brilliant year for Arsenal, with the club being crowned league champions and working their way to a first Champions League final in 20 years, but if the Gunners want to make big moves in the summer, outgoings must ensue.
It could be that Arsenal are tempted to go for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez or PSG’s Bradley Barcola, with the club reportedly wanting to add to their front line in the upcoming transfer window.
The Gunners have considerable depth in defensive areas despite injury concerns, so may look to offload older players such as Christian Norgaard in order to raise funds—but a shock name has emerged as a candidate to sell.
Barcelona seems interested in an Arsenal player who has become a standout player this past season and has endeared himself well to the fans, but the player in question may see his stint in North London end quicker than expected.
READ MORE: [Mikel Arteta will be licking his lips about PSG stat ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League final](http://Mikel Arteta will be licking his lips about PSG stat ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League final)
Barcelona are eyeing up Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie
The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones has broken the news that Spanish champions Barcelona are potentially tempted to make a bid for Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, in a shocking announcement that may end up seeing the Ecuadorian depart the London club after only a single season.
Barcelona are weighing up an approach for Arsenal defender, Piero Hincapie, despite him being happy at Arsenal. The Spanish side understand it will be a difficult deal to pull off, but are willing to test the water. 🕵️♂️🇪🇨 [@SimonJones_DM] pic.twitter.com/Tt77StDONG
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) May 28, 2026
Hincapie is currently on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen, with an option to buy set at £45 million. While that option to buy has not been triggered yet, it has been assumed by many that the 24-year-old will reunite with the new Premier League Champions for the upcoming campaign.
It is not known what price Barcelona would be willing to pay for the South American star, but Arsenal would have to make a profit on their purchase clause, if triggered, for anyone at the club to have their heads turned by such an offer.
Why would Hincapie leave Arsenal?
The simple answer is, he probably wouldn’t. Arsenal are the Premier League champions and a serious force in Europe, with the financial acumen to create a modern dynasty if they can make the right moves.
Hincapie has shown himself to be an important player in Mikel Arteta’s plans, making 38 appearances up to this point in the season and impressing with his versatility and aggressive nature.
While a move to Spain, and Barcelona, is not entirely out of the realm of possibility at some point down the line, it does not logically seem like Hincapie will be leaving N5 at any point soon.