Arsenal have assembled an exceptional squad for Mikel Arteta this summer.
Andrea Berta has signed eight players in the transfer window, spending in excess of £250 million in the process.
Viktor Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP as the marquee addition, while the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi have also been acquired for large fees.
Piero Hincapie is the last man through the door at the Emirates, joining from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan.
Tim Vickery says he doesn’t know where Piero Hincapie will fit in at Arsenal
After sealing a deal for Eze, most fans thought Arsenal’s summer business was done.
However, with Porto agreeing a deal to sign Jakub Kiwior, the Gunners felt another left-sided defender was needed in their ranks.
Berta has moved quickly and decisively to sign Hincapie, swiftly agreeing a loan deal with an option to buy with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Ecuadorian arrives with an impressive pedigree, having won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, and will certainly fight hard for a position in the Gunners’ team.
However, South American football expert Tim Vickery isn’t sure where the left-centre-back will fit in at Arsenal.
“He’s a very, very fine defender indeed, and he’s part of this extraordinary defensive unit of Ecuador, who in 9 World Cup qualifiers have conceded a grand total of 1 goal,” Vickery said on Sky Sports News (Monday, 12:30pm).
“But it’s interesting that you mention [William] Saliba because Hincapie is left-footed, he’s a left-sided central defender, and can give you left-back cover as well.
“So obviously there, Arsenal are extremely well covered with both Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori. So, he wouldn’t be a straight man to man replacement for an injured Saliba.
“So, quite where Arsenal see him fitting into their defensive line is something that I’m not quite sure, although he’s a first-class defender and obviously seriously strengthens the squad, but it’s a lot of money to pay for positions where you’re already covered with very fine players.”
Piero Hincapie will get plenty of minutes at Arsenal
Arsenal have four competitions to play in this season, and will need their entire squad to seriously challenge on all these fronts.
Riccardo Calafiori has suffered from persistent injury issues, and it’s possible that the Italian will continue to do so this season.
If the former Bologna man is absent for an extended period of time, Hincapie should get a run in the side.
However, there may also be certain games in which the Ecuador international is the preferred option, with his ability to overlap and get into the final third a valuable asset against low blocks.
With Eze likely to start on the left wing regularly, and his inclination being to come inside, it makes sense to have a more offensive full-back operating outside of him, like Hincapie.
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