According to a report by Football London on November 5, 2026, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié could leave the club in the January transfer window, just six months after completing his permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen, with Barcelona reportedly opening discussions over a potential transfer.

The 24-year-old Ecuadorian international only made his move to the Emirates Stadium permanent in the summer, but his future is already attracting uncertainty following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona have renewed their interest in Hincapié after previously considering a move for the defender during the summer transfer window. The La Liga champions are reportedly searching for defensive reinforcements and view the Arsenal player as a potential option.

Hincapié's situation at Arsenal has reportedly become complicated because of injury problems and increased competition for places. At left-back, he currently finds himself behind Riccardo Calafiori in Mikel Arteta's preferred pecking order.

His opportunities at centre-back have also become more limited following the impressive performances of summer signing Ezri Konsa alongside Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba's return from injury.

Saliba's availability presents Arteta with a difficult selection decision, particularly after the French defender established himself as one of the most important members of Arsenal's defence before his spell on the sidelines.

It remains unclear whether Arteta would be willing to approve Hincapié's departure midway through the season, especially with Arsenal competing for major honours and requiring sufficient defensive depth.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Arteta could solve his defensive selection dilemma by moving Konsa to right-back rather than leaving the England international out of the starting team.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, he praised Konsa's performances and insisted that Saliba was too talented to remain outside the team.

Ferdinand said: "I think Saliba is one of those guys that you have to find room for in the team. He's that good, he's top."

He also suggested that Konsa could return to right-back, adding that the defender's efficiency makes him an important option for Arteta.

The potential departure of Hincapié would therefore represent an interesting development in Arsenal's defensive plans, particularly considering how recently the club made his transfer permanent.