Arsenal’s summer transfer business isn’t over just yet. Despite already spending over £250 million, the Gunners could still add two more defenders before the window shuts.
So far, Andrea Berta’s recruitment drive has focused heavily on strengthening the attack, with big-name arrivals including Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke. At the back, Cristhian Mosquera has joined from Valencia, but Mikel Arteta is still looking to bolster his defensive options.
One of the names firmly on the radar is Piero Hincapié of Bayer Leverkusen. The Ecuadorian international is open to leaving before deadline day and would provide valuable cover on the left side of defence, capable of operating both as a centre-back and as a left-back. His signing could also raise questions over the future of Jakub Kiwior, who has been linked with a possible move away.
Arsenal Eye Arnau Martínez in Addition to Hincapié
While Hincapié would balance out the left side, Arsenal are also considering an addition on the opposite flank. Reports suggest the club are interested in Girona right-back Arnau Martínez, who can also slot in as a right-sided centre-back.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs explained the situation to the Highbury Squad:
“I know they’ve looked at him [Arnau Martínez]. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that a right-back or a right centre-back, equally as versatile as Hincapié on the left-hand side, could come in. But it’s not the priority at the moment.”
Earlier this summer, journalist Santi Aouna reported that Arsenal had even tabled a bid worth €10 million (£8.6m) for the 21-year-old Spaniard.
Do Arsenal Really Need Another Defender?
Martínez certainly fits the profile of a player Arteta likes — young, versatile and tactically flexible. However, Arsenal already boast strong options on the right side of defence, with William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Mosquera all capable of covering those roles.
That means any move for the Girona star may only materialise if one of Arsenal’s current defenders is sold in the final days of the window. For now, Hincapié remains the main target, but as with every transfer window, a late twist cannot be ruled out.
