Barcelona explore Piero Hincapie move after Hansi Flick asks Deco to strengthen defence

Barcelona have made initial contact with Piero Hincapie’s representatives as they assess whether the Arsenal defender could be signed during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old Ecuador international is being considered as Barcelona look to add a central defender and maintain their challenge across all competitions during the second half of the season.

Hincapie joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen but has not played as regularly as expected this season. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, physical problems and strong competition for places in Arsenal’s defence have reduced his role under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Ecuadorian has found it difficult to establish a consistent run in the team and is not currently among Arteta’s preferred options. However, that situation has not removed the main obstacle to any potential move.

Arteta is understood to be reluctant to allow players to leave in January, even if they are not regular starters. The Arsenal manager is aware of the number of matches still to come and does not want to reduce his options in a squad competing on several fronts.

Why Hincapie appeals to Barcelona

Hincapie’s profile matches several of the requirements identified by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. He is left-footed, has international experience and can operate both at centre-back and left-back.

That versatility would give Barcelona greater defensive flexibility for what is expected to be a demanding second half of the campaign. The club’s sporting department is seeking solutions that can strengthen the squad without limiting its tactical options.

Deco and Flick have received highly positive reports on Hincapie, prompting the sporting director to make preliminary enquiries with the player’s representatives. Those discussions were intended to establish whether Hincapie would be open to changing clubs and whether a deal could be explored in January.

For now, the interest remains at an exploratory stage. Barcelona are examining a number of possible defensive targets before deciding whether to pursue one of them.

Sky has also reported that Barcelona have asked about Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan defender who remains on the club’s list of targets. The enquiries regarding Bastoni and Hincapie underline the breadth of the search for a central defender.

Deco’s assessment of the market will be influenced both by Flick’s sporting requirements and by Barcelona’s financial limitations. January is therefore becoming increasingly important in the club’s planning, although any attempt to sign Hincapie would depend not only on Barcelona’s position but also on Arsenal’s willingness to release a player during the season.