Arsenal could swiftly turn a profit through the sale of Piero Hincapie this summer, according to reports. The north Londoners will now be switching their focus to the summer transfer window following the end of their campaign. They secured the Premier League title but were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout in the Champions League final over the weekend.
Hincapie played a crucial role in helping Arsenal reach the final in Budapest, having arrived at the Gunners from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan deal. Arsenal have the option of securing Hincapie on a permanent basis for £45million this summer, with various reports indicating that the Gunners are expected to trigger this clause.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could attempt to offload the Ecuador international almost instantly after completing his permanent signing.
The report suggests that Barcelona have shown an interest in signing Hincapie this summer, though it remains unclear whether the La Liga giants are willing to table an offer at this stage.
Barcelona have already enjoyed a hectic start to the summer transfer window by wrapping up the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal reportedly worth £80million (£69.2million).
It has been indicated that Arsenal could seek to generate a profit on Hincapie immediately, should they receive an acceptable offer for the 24-year-old.
However, the fee they would demand for Hincapie remains unclear should they opt to offload the defender this summer.
Hincapie made 39 appearances for Arsenal during his loan spell from Leverkusen and played a pivotal role in helping the Gunners end their 22-year wait for a league title.
Mikel Arteta was recently quizzed on the prospect of Arsenal securing Hincapie on a permanent basis this summer, with the Gunners boss leaving little doubt over the club’s intentions.
“I would say so,” Arteta said. “Let’s go through the season. We have already discussed the possible outcomes that we have after that period, but so far, we are very, very happy with him.”