Arsenal have set a clear stance on the potential sale of a key star this summer, as The Mirror reports that European giants have been monitoring the Gunners ace in recent days.
The North London club are keen to improve the squad for next season, after an impressive campaign that saw them end the long wait to win a Premier League title, while going close to landing a first Champions League triumph.
Any possible incomings will need to be offset by exits, however, as the squad appears filled with talent in every single position at Mikel Arteta's disposal.
Despite that, some clear options for sales will be off the table, as Arsenal have set a firm stance on a star leaving the club.
Arsenal Set Piero Hincapie Stance
Piero Hincapie in action for Arsenal against Wolves in the Premier League
Arsenal have made it clear that they won't entertain offers for Piero Hincapie this summer, according to The Mirror, as clubs line up a potential deal for the defender.
It's claimed that Real Madrid have been showing interest in the versatile star, with chief scout Juni Calafat in attendance for Ecuador's clash with the Ivory Coast to monitor the Arsenal ace.
Los Blancos are believed to be joined by Barcelona in the race for Hincapie, but it's a race that the Gunners are looking to shut down immediately.
The stance of no sale means Hincapie is set to stay at the Emirates Stadium, regardless of any offer that could come in from the Spanish giants, as they are both on the lookout for possible centre-back options.
Hincapie joined Arsenal last summer on an initial loan move from Bayer Leverkusen, which was made permanent in recent days with a £34.5 million buy option in his deal.
The 24-year-old signed a contract until 2031, meaning he is contracted for the next five years, making an exit all the more unlikely.
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Why Arteta Wants To Keep Hincapie
Piero Hincapie during the Ecuador national anthem
It's clear why Arteta wants to keep Hincapie at Arsenal, with the star encapsulating everything that has made the Gunners good in recent years.
The manager explained it best when he discussed the star earlier this year, stating: "When I spoke to Xabi [Alonso] just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, 'He’s a warrior'.
"He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had.
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"He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years. He has an aura, a charisma - a really special character."
Arsenal will now have that warrior for years to come, with any approach set to be rejected this summer.