Piero Hincapie’s future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation in recent days and the defender has offered a hint at what may happen this summer
Piero Hincapie has posted an emotional message amid speculation that he could leave Arsenal this summer. The Gunners defender took to social media to send a message after the club’s defeat in the Champions League final.
Arsenal were beaten on a penalty shootout against PSG in Budapest on Saturday night, having drawn 1-1 after extra time.
Hincapie played the full 120 minutes for Arsenal at the Puskas Arena and was a key figure in helping the Gunners reach the final in Hungary and win the Premier League title.
Arsenal signed Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen last summer on a loan deal, which also includes the option to make the move permanent for £45million.
There has been speculation about whether or not Hincapie will become an Arsenal player on a permanent basis, and now the Ecuador international has sent a message which hints that he could be set to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
“I feel fortunate to be part of this group of dreamers,” Hincapie posted on Instagram to his 1.9million followers.
“It hurts, of course it does, but I’m convinced we’ll turn this pain into lessons for the future. We’ll be back.”
Hincapie’s parent club, Leverkusen, left a comment on the post from the defender, which simply featured a heart hands emoji.
Various reports have suggested that Hincapie is expected to make the move to Arsenal permanent this summer, but there has been fresh speculation that a departure could be on the cards.
The Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal could look to sell Hincapie soon after signing the defender permanently, provided a suitable offer arrives that would see them make a profit.
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Barcelona have been credited with an interest in signing Hincapie this summer, although the message from the defender hints that he plans to be part of Arsenal’s squad for next season.
Mikel Arteta was recently asked if Arsenal plans to sign Hincapie on a permanent deal, and gave a clear response.
“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.”
Arsenal will be expected to provide an update on Hincapie’s future in due course, with the defender called up to the Ecuador squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.