Mikel Arteta could permanently change ‘brilliant’ Arsenal star’s position after Piero Hincapie transfer

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Arsenal are now eyeing a late move in the transfer window for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The Gunners have already spent in excess of £250 million on seven players this summer, but are eager to add one more piece to Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.

Eberechi Eze became the latest arrival at the Emirates under Andrea Berta last week, signing from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million.

Arsenal now want to sign Hincapie to replace Jakub Kiwior, who is a target for Porto and AC Milan.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Myles Lewis-Skelly could play in midfield if Piero Hincapie signs for Arsenal

Hincapie is a versatile left-footed defender, who can operate either as a centre-back or a left-back.

Likely to fill in for Gabriel Magalhaes if the Brazilian is out injured or in need of a rest, the Ecuadorian is also likely to play a lot of minutes for the Gunners at left-back.

This means fewer minutes will be available for both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.

Given Calafiori also operates as a left-back and centre-back, it’s likely that Lewis-Skelly is the one to be moved elsewhere to accommodate the new arrival.

The Hale End graduate thrived as a full-back last season, but was raised a central midfielder, and this purchase could be the catalyst for him to move into his favoured and more natural role.

Arteta may plan to use Lewis-Skelly centrally on a permanent basis, either as a number six or a number eight.

The 18-year-old’s ability to carry the ball, as well as his ability to retain possession in tight spaces, will be best used in central areas anyway.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s statistics 2024/25

While an astute defender, Lewis-Skelly’s best attributes are in possession.

His data closely resembles that of a midfielder, excelling in ball retention, ball progression and winning fouls.

The starlet is exceptional at using his body to hold off an opponent, before drawing contact and either driving free or winning a free-kick.

In midfield, he may be able to further develop his passing, which is currently somewhat limited to distributing simply to players in close proximity to himself.

Lewis-Skelly has been described as ‘brilliant’, and he has the potential to realise his full potential in midfield rather than as a full-back.