Arsenal have wasted no time strengthening their squad this summer, completing their first permanent signing before switching focus to reinforcing the midfield ahead of the new campaign.
The Gunners have secured the permanent transfer of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £34.5 million. After impressing during his loan spell at the Emirates last season, the 24-year-old has signed a contract until 2031. Hincapié made 39 appearances in all competitions, helping Arsenal lift their first Premier League title in 22 years while also reaching the Champions League final. He is currently representing Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup, starting both group-stage matches and expected to feature again against Germany.
With their defensive business complete, Arsenal’s attention has now turned to the midfield, where concerns have emerged over Declan Rice’s workload after he played nearly 50 full matches last season. The England international was also seen wearing heavy calf strapping while on international duty.
Among the midfielders being monitored are Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. The Italian has also been linked with Tottenham, but journalist Luke Edwards claims Tonali would favour a move to Arsenal or Manchester City instead.
“I also don’t think Tonali really wants to go to Spurs. I’m told he would prefer Manchester City or Arsenal. As ever, let’s wait and see,” Edwards revealed.
That report differs from Fabrizio Romano’s earlier update, which suggested Tottenham were the only club actively pursuing Tonali. The BBC also reported that Spurs had an £80 million bid rejected by Newcastle, who are believed to value the midfielder closer to £100 million. Tottenham’s hesitation to meet that asking price could open the door for Arsenal.
The Gunners are also keeping tabs on another Newcastle star. According to David Ornstein, Arsenal have made a verbal enquiry for Bruno Guimarães, although Newcastle remain determined to keep the Brazilian. An opening bid reportedly worth less than £60 million has already been rejected.
Whether Arsenal step up their pursuit of Tonali or intensify their interest in Guimarães remains uncertain, but both midfielders are seen as top-class additions capable of taking Mikel Arteta’s side to an even higher level next season.
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