Barcelona’s transfer business is already moving at full speed despite the summer window not officially opening yet, with the club wasting little time trying to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.
Hansi Flick and the sporting department appear determined to avoid another slow market, especially after identifying several priority positions ahead of next season.
The attack has understandably received most of the attention so far, but defensive reinforcements are also being explored.
Barcelona have already reached an agreement to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal worth €70 million plus a further €10 million in bonuses.
With that operation now virtually wrapped up, Barcelona’s focus has shifted towards completing a move for Julian Alvarez, with the Catalan side already preparing an opening proposal for the Atletico Madrid striker.
At the same time, the Spanish champions remain active in their search for another centre-back.
Although it is not currently viewed as the club’s biggest priority, Barcelona are still interested in bringing in a naturally left-footed defender to strengthen Flick’s backline options.
That search has now reportedly led them towards Piero Hincapie.
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are considering a possible approach for the Ecuadorian defender after cooling their interest in Alessandro Bastoni.
The Inter Milan star had previously been viewed internally as one of the ideal candidates for the role, but multiple complications, including the overall cost of the operation, have effectively ruled out a deal.
Piero Hincapie has now emerged as an alternative profile admired by the club.
The 24-year-old spent last season at Arsenal on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with the agreement including a £45 million permanent purchase option.
After playing an important role in Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign, the expectation is that the London club will activate that clause and complete the signing permanently.
Leverkusen are also set to retain a 10 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Once the purchase option is triggered, Hincapie is expected to sign a five-year contract that has already been agreed with Arsenal.
That situation makes any attempt from Barcelona extremely difficult this summer, even though the defender remains a player appreciated internally by the La Liga champions.
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