FC Barcelona appear determined to dominate the early stages of this summer's transfer market. The reigning Spanish champions are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal's Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie as they look to strengthen their defensive line.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Barcelona are evaluating the possibility of signing Hincapie. The club recognises that securing the 24-year-old from London will not be straightforward, but they plan to gauge Arsenal’s openness to a potential sale.

Hincapie is currently on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen, though the agreement includes a mandatory purchase clause that becomes active once certain conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are said to be relatively simple.

If those criteria are met—as most observers expect—Arsenal will activate the €52 million clause and offer Hincapie a five-year contract, making him a permanent member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Ecuadorian international has established himself as a vital player for Arsenal. Hincapie, who boasts 51 caps for his national team and featured at the World Cup, has become one of Arteta’s most trusted defenders, particularly in crucial fixtures. The 24-year-old is even expected to start for the Gunners in Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. According to the Daily Mail, Hincapie has settled comfortably into life in London.

Barcelona have already started their summer recruitment drive, completing the signing of England international Anthony Gordon (25) from Newcastle United on Friday to add depth on the left wing. In addition, Julian Alvarez (26) from Atlético Madrid and former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva (31) are also set to arrive at Camp Nou.

Sporting director Deco remains keen on acquiring at least one more central defender. For the first time in recent years, he has a transfer budget to work with, despite the club’s ongoing financial challenges. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni was initially seen as the top target, but interest in that deal appears to have cooled.

Hincapie, a naturally left-footed defender who is also capable of advancing down the flank, fits perfectly into Barcelona’s tactical requirements. The Ecuadorian joined Bayer Leverkusen from CA Talleres in 2021 for just under €6.5 million and quickly developed into a key figure, helping Xabi Alonso’s side win both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup last season.

This summer, Hincapie and Ecuador are set to face Germany in the third group stage match of the World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

FC Barcelona’s record transfer signings continue to make headlines, and the potential addition of Hincapie would further underline the club’s ambition to rebuild its defensive strength.