Arsenal have turned Piero Hincapie’s loan into a permanent transfer, triggering a €40m (£34.5m) option plus add-ons to keep the Ecuador international at the Emirates until 2031. The 24-year-old joined from Bayer Leverkusen last September and made 25 Premier League appearances as Mikel Arteta’s side won their first domestic title since 2004. Real Madrid had been among the clubs keen on the versatile defender, but Hincapie has committed his future to Arsenal, with the move official from 1 July. He is currently at the World Cup with Ecuador.
The transfer window is open, and the expanded 48-team World Cup has become the ultimate shop window. While Hincapie’s deal was long regarded as a formality, the Gunners are far from finished: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa is a top target, though any deal for the England attacking midfielder would cost a substantial amount. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is also of interest, and Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to fund further moves.
“Arsenal make Piero Hincapie's loan permanent for £34.5m as transfer window opens amid World Cup scouting.”
Elsewhere, Newcastle have not ruled out a third attempt in three years to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Trafford, who did not feature in England’s opener against Croatia, acknowledged on the eve of the game that he must be first choice at club level to fulfil his dream of being his country’s number one – a stance that could work in Newcastle’s favour. Liverpool, meanwhile, have shown interest in Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.
Manchester United are weighing up Fulham’s Antonee Robinson as a potential left-sided defensive option. The USA left-back played the full 90 minutes against Paraguay and 80 minutes against Australia. Brighton have already had a couple of bids turned down for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic. The 19-year-old started Croatia’s World Cup opener against England in a three-man defence but was replaced 20 minutes after half-time. While he was not entirely to blame for Harry Kane’s free header for England’s second goal – Vuskovic was nearest the ball as Kane got a free run – the youngster was unable to get beyond John Stones as he leapt to challenge.
Crystal Palace, fresh from winning the Conference League and facing Europa League football, need to invest again after squad depth was exposed last season. They brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand in the winter window, but Tyrick Mitchell remains the only first-team quality left-back, and right-back Daniel Munoz, 30, had knee surgery last season. Munoz is now at the World Cup with Colombia. With the tournament still in its early stages, more deals are expected to follow.