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Arsenal face unexpected Piero Hincapie transfer hijack

29 May 2026 12:02 BST | 4 min read

Piero Hincapie, Arsenal

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Piero Hincapie this summer as they search for a new left-footed defender ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Hincapie, 24, joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan deal on Transfer Deadline Day in September and the Gunners have the option to make the deal permanent for €52 million when the 2026 summer transfer window opens.

It has been widely assumed that Hincapie will complete a permanent transfer to the Emirates Stadium this summer, although Arsenal are yet to formally trigger their option-to-buy clause and the deal has therefore not been publicly announced.

This has given Barcelona a slither of hope in their pursuit of the Ecuadorian’s signature and they are eager to finalise a transfer when the window opens, as per a report from The Daily Mail" href="https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15855477/Barcelona-Arsenal-Piero-Hincapie.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail.

It’s claimed that Hansi Flick’s side are weighing up an approach for the 24-year-old, but they are aware that a deal will be incredibly difficult to finalise, with Hincapie happy at Arsenal and the north London giants expected to sign him permanently this summer.

The Ecuador international has made 38 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal so far this season and he is in contention to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday evening as the Gunners look to secure a historic double after winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Furthermore, when asked if he would like to sign Hincapie on a permanent deal this summer, Mikel Arteta recently admitted: “I would say so. 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.”

However, Barcelona remain interested in agreeing a transfer and they are “willing to test the water” this summer.

Piero Hincapie, Arsenal

Barcelona set to sign Anthony Gordon and Julian Alvarez

In addition to Hincapie, Barcelona are also interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who has communicated his desire to leave the Metropolitano and complete a Camp Nou switch this summer" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/fc-barcelona-fabrizio-romano-julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid" target="_blank">who has communicated his desire to leave the Metropolitano and complete a Camp Nou switch this summer.

It’s reported that an official bid has been sent to Atleti for the Argentina centre forward" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/es-primera-division/2026/05/barcelona-transfer-news-julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-fabrizio-romano-100m-opening-offer-summer-2026" target="_blank">It’s reported that an official bid has been sent to Atleti for the Argentina centre forward, with Barca determined to bring him to the club following confirmation that Robert Lewandowski will depart upon the expiration of his contract in July.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also on the verge of formally announcing the signing of Anthony Gordon after finalising an €80m deal with Newcastle United" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/fc-barcelona-anthony-gordon-bid-newcastle" target="_blank">Barcelona are also on the verge of formally announcing the signing of Anthony Gordon after finalising an €80m deal with Newcastle United. The England winger has travelled to Spain to undergo a medical and the transfer will become official before he links up with his international team-mates for the 2026 World Cup in North America.