Arsenal are in the thick of the Premier League title race and are aiming to win three more trophies this season, but the Gunners are already making plans for the summer transfer window
Piero Hincapie is enjoying a loan spell at Arsenal (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Manager Mikel Arteta has clearly hinted that Arsenal plan to make Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent this summer. Hincapie, 24, joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from German side Bayer Leverkusen in September.
Arsenal negotiated a £45m buy option and, despite a slow start to his time at the Emirates, Hincapie became a mainstay in Arteta’s defence. The Ecuadorian international has started all but one of Arsenal’s last 16 Premier League games, showing his versatility by playing at left-back.
Hincapie is expected to be included in the starting XI again when the Gunners host Chelsea on Sunday. Ahead of the game, Arteta felt his loanee had improved.
The Arsenal manager replied: “I completely agree.” “Again, we were able to spend more time with the team, a series of games where we are probably in much better shape physically.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
read more: Champions League supercomputer leaves no doubt about Arsenal’s chances after dream drawread more: Eddie Howe reacts sharply to rumors of Anthony Gordon joining Arsenal
“He was very dominant in all the defensive actions. He also has a better understanding of what we want offensively, in all the set-pieces, in all aspects related to the game model that we have.”
“He’s very well-liked by the players. You can see that in the way they interact with him and react to him. So I’m very happy that he showed that.”
On whether the Gunners would trigger the £45m clause, Arteta said: “Let’s wait and see. Let’s get the season done. We’ve already talked about the possible outcomes after that period. But for now we’re very happy with it.”
Please bring back the mirror! Keep the latest headlines at the top of Google Search
Piero Hincapie is a popular member of Arsenal’s dressing room (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Hincapie certainly seems very happy with his time in north London. The defender scored his first goal for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw against Wolves earlier this month.
Hincapie told club media this week: “I’ve settled in very well and I’m happy to be coming to this great club with great teammates, top professionals and staff. I’m very excited.” “They helped me a lot, going back to the first day and the first training session.
“I’m really happy because they helped me in all areas on and off the pitch. My friends and family always support me and do everything they can to make me happy.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
