Real Madrid have made an approach to sign Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, according to reports. The Spanish club have already strengthened Jose Mourinho's squad ahead of the new season by signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, plus Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers. However, Madrid are looking to sign a third defender before the end of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid's Interest in Hincapie
According to ESPN, Madrid have enquired about signing Hincapie, who is currently with Ecuador's squad for their World Cup campaign. The report adds that Mourinho wants Madrid to sign a left-footed central defender who is also capable of covering at full-back, making Hincapie a strong option for the Spanish club.
Hincapie joined Arsenal on an initial loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen a year ago, but the Premier League champions have made the move permanent for £45 million this summer. The 24-year-old started 30 games for Arsenal across all competitions last season, proving to be a versatile player for Mikel Arteta as he played at left-back and as a central defender.
Arteta's Praise for Hincapie
Speaking about Hincapie last season, Arteta said: 'When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, “he’s a warrior.” He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years. He has an aura, a charisma, a really special character.'
Madrid's Other Targets and Squad Depth
Madrid also have Manchester City's Ruben Dias on their shortlist alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck. However, Madrid will need to trim their squad first as Mourinho currently has five central defenders in his squad: Konate, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, and Raul Asencio.
