Arsenal are now plotting a £31m opening bid for a "special" defender, who has been impressing in the Champions League this season.
Gunners eyeing new defender despite Hincapie news
With both Gabriel and William Saliba spending time on the sidelines this season, Piero Hincapie has received plenty of game time, making 26 appearances in all competitions, and the defender has seemingly done enough to impress Mikel Arteta.
Indeed, the Gunners are looking to secure Hincapie's signature on a permanent basis, and it is no surprise, with the 24-year-old proving himself as a versatile option, regularly featuring at both centre-back and left-back.
Arteta has plenty of options at the back, but there are some doubts surrounding Ben White's future at the Emirates Stadium, so it could be a savvy move to bring in another defender in the summer.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now plotting an opening bid of €35m (£31m) for Atalanta star Honest Ahanor, off the back of the defender putting in some impressive performances in the Champions League this season.
Atalanta's Kamaldeen Sulemana celebrates scoring their first goal with Honest Ahanor
However, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City also in the race, and the Italian club are extremely reluctant to sanction a departure.
News of the Gunners' interest may be viewed as a blow to Nottingham Forest, who have also been closely monitoring Ahanor, given that the City Ground is nowhere near as attractive a destination, with Vitor Pereira's side just two points above the relegation zone.
"Special" Ahanor could be exciting long-term signing
Journalist Bence Bocsak singled the 18-year-old out for some high praise earlier this season, describing him as a "special" player, before adding: "On the ground, he’s pretty hard to beat. He defends the channels well and his ability to anticipate what his opponent is going to do or where the ball is going to go is extremely impressive for his age."
The teenager is already a regular starter for Atalanta, making 25 appearances in all competitions this season, and he is averaging 1.2 interceptions per 90 in the Serie A, which is the second highest in the squad.
With Gabriel and Saliba on the books, it could be difficult for the youngster to push for a place in the starting XI at centre-back straight away, but he is also versatile enough to play at left-back, which is an added bonus.
Ahanor could be an exciting long-term additon to Arteta's squad, and Arsenal should stand a good chance of winning the race for his signature, considering they are currently setting the pace at the top of the Premier League table.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Jack Hinshelwood in action with Brentford's Yehor Yarmolyuk and Rico Henry Related
[Liverpool made to sweat as Arsenal now emerge as frontrunners to sign £48m Premier League "starboy"](https://www.footballfancast.com/liverpool-made-to-sweat-arsenal-frontrunners-jack-hinshelwood-transfer/ "Liverpool made to sweat as Arsenal now emerge as frontrunners to sign £48m Premier League "starboy"")
The Gunners are in pole position to sign one of Arne Slot's targets.