Arsenal may have to see off transfer interest from Spanish champions Barcelona this summer with the Catalan side making early moves to bolster their squad
22:39, 28 May 2026
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez celebrates
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Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal - but Barcelona are now making their move(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly an approach for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie after Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. It is also claimed that they are looking to sign Gunners-linked Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
The Ecuador international is currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy the player and football.london understands the move will become permanent this summer.
After suffering an injury at the beginning of the season, it was difficult to break into the side with the presence of Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, in the last couple of months, the defender has become the main starter in the side.
The 24-year-old has filled in at centre-back and left-back with his performances, helping Mikel Arteta's side become the first Arsenal team to lift the Premier League title since 2004. And those performances have not gone unnoticed with La Liga champions Barca said to be interested.
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The Daily Mail report that Barca sporting director Deco recognises prising away Hincapie is no easy transaction, but they are willing to test the water in their search for a left-sided centre-back.
It is claimed the defender is happy at the Emirates Stadium, but should Barca pursue their interest, Arsenal's reply will give a clearer indication of how he is viewed going forward.
When Gunners boss Arteta was asked whether he intended to take up the option to sign Hincapie permanently, he said: "I would say so.
Mikel Arteta and Piero Hincapie
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Mikel Arteta is pleased with Piero Hincapie's performances at Arsenal (Image: Getty)
"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."
Barca look set for a busy summer with England international Gordon closing in on a move to the Camp Nou. The forward is close to completing a £69.3m move.
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And former Manchester City star Alvarez could be next, with a representative said to have met with Deco ahead of a possible move. His current side, Atletico, have reacted furiously to transfer speculation surrounding their player.
"It's just agent talk. Julian has behaved impeccably at all times, giving his all on the pitch and demonstrating maximum professionalism. We know he didn't cause all this noise; he has always behaved perfectly," they said, via Marca.
It was reported in February that the Gunners have been tracking Alvarez and are contemplating a possible bid at the end of the season.