Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie has reportedly opened talks with Barcelona over a January transfer, just six months after joining the club permanently. According to reports in Spain, the La Liga champions have revived their interest in the 24-year-old Ecuadorian following his difficult start to the season at the Emirates.
Hincapie's struggles and Barcelona interest
Hincapie has suffered injury setbacks and dropped down the defensive pecking order at Arsenal. He is behind Riccardo Calafiori in the left-back stakes, while summer signing Ezri Konsa has excelled at centre-back and William Saliba is available again following his long-term layoff.
With Barcelona in the market for a central defender, Hincapie could spend the second half of the season at the Nou Camp, although it is unclear whether Mikel Arteta would sanction his departure.
Konsa tipped for right-back role
Meanwhile, Arteta could solve a selection headache by shifting Konsa into a new role, according to Rio Ferdinand. Konsa has been a revelation alongside Gabriel since arriving from Aston Villa, but his place is under threat now that Saliba has recovered from his back injury.
Reuniting the title-winning centre-back pairing could potentially leave Konsa out in the cold, but not if he is moved to right-back, where he has played for England. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, the former Manchester United defender said: "I think Saliba is one of those guys that you have to find room for in the team. He's that good, he's top."
He added: "I said to my son yesterday, 'Watch Ezri Konsa', because everything he does is efficient. That's a great problem for Arteta to have. I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn't be surprised because Konsa is top."
