Barcelona are reportedly preparing an approach for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie as the Catalan club look to strengthen their squad this summer.

The Ecuador international joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, and football.london understands the move will become permanent this summer.

Hincapie endured a difficult start to his time at the club after suffering an injury at the beginning of the season, which limited his opportunities in the squad.

The presence of Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly initially blocked his route into the side, but he has since become the main starter in recent months.

The 24-year-old has filled in at both centre-back and left-back, helping Mikel Arteta’s side become the first Arsenal team to lift the Premier League title since 2004.

The Daily Mail reports that Barcelona sporting director Deco acknowledges prising Hincapie away from Arsenal will not be straightforward, but the club is willing to test the water.

It is claimed that Hincapie is happy at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal’s response to any approach will indicate how highly the club values him going forward.

When Arteta was asked about plans to make Hincapie’s move permanent, he said: “I would say so. 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.”

Barcelona also appear close to completing a £69.3m deal for England international Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle United winger set to move to the Camp Nou.

Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez could be another addition, with a representative said to have met with Deco ahead of a potential deal for the Atletico Madrid forward.

Atletico responded furiously to the transfer speculation, stating via Marca: “It’s just agent talk. Julian has behaved impeccably at all times, giving his all on the pitch and demonstrating maximum professionalism. We know he didn’t cause all this noise; he has always behaved perfectly.”

Arsenal had also been credited with an interest in Alvarez, with reports from February suggesting the Gunners have been tracking the striker and contemplating a possible bid.

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