Arsenal have no intention of selling Piero Hincapie despite interest from Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona are planning to sign a central defender during the winter transfer window and had reportedly considered offering Alejandro Balde to Arsenal in a swap deal for the Ecuador international.

Romano says that possibility has been ruled out, with Arsenal fully satisfied with Hincapie and unwilling to part with the 24-year-old.

Hincapie spent last season at the London club on loan from Bayer and helped the team win the Premier League. Arsenal completed a permanent transfer for the defender in the summer.

The Ecuadorian has featured irregularly this season because of injuries and the tactical decisions of manager Mikel Arteta. That situation has led to speculation that he could leave the club in January.

However, Romano says Balde’s departure from Barcelona remains possible. The club’s academy graduate has lost his place in the first-team squad and could consider a move in January if his situation does not change.