Arsenal have made their opening gambit to try and sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in another stunning deal this summer.
Andrea Berta has already been hard at work over the past few months, having completed several high-profile deals already.
The latest saw Arsenal complete a swoop for Eberechi Eze, landing him ahead of rivals Tottenham in a deal worth over £60 million.
That appeared to be the end of the business, but the sporting director has other plans.
Arsenal are interested in signing Piero Hincapie in a deal that could be worth £52 million if his release clause is triggered.
While it remains to be seen how those talks will go, Granit Xhaka has already seemingly given the player his seal of approval.
Granit Xhaka praised Piero Hincapie during Bayer Leverkusen spell
While Arsenal are still figuring out how to get a deal for Hincapie over the line, many will be wondering exactly where he will fit.
The Ecuadorian international plays on the left side of the defence, which could point towards an exit for Jakub Kiwior before the transfer window closes.
If Hincapie does join, then he certainly has the Xhaka seal of approval, as the former Arsenal captain was full of praise for him on social media.
Back in June 2024, the defender posted a picture on Instagram commemorating a win with his national team, captioned: “VAMOS ECUADOR!!”
Xhaka simply responded: “What a player,” showing just how highly he rates the defender from their time together.
The duo may now be on separate paths, with Xhaka joining Sunderland as part of a shock return to the Premier League.
Hincapie could be set for a reunion with him, but in a move to the Swiss international’s former club.
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When Piero Hincapie could reunite with Granit Xhaka at Arsenal
If Hincapie does make the move to Arsenal, then he may well come up against his former teammate Xhaka once again.
It would be on the Premier League stage, when the Gunners take on newly promoted Sunderland, both home and away.
- Sunderland vs Arsenal – November 8
- Arsenal vs Sunderland – February 7
The first reunion would come in November, as Sunderland travel to the Stadium of Light for the first time since October 2016.
The reverse fixture is set for early February, a first meeting at the Emirates Stadium since 2021 and the first home league clash since 2017.
It could be quite the blockbuster tie, with homecomings and reunions all wrapped up into one.
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