Hincapie 'opens Barcelona talks' as Arteta weighs Konsa role change
Piero Hincapie could be on his way out of Arsenal just six months after completing a permanent move to the club, with reports in Spain claiming the defender has opened talks over a January switch to Barcelona.
According to SPORT, the La Liga champions were already interested in Hincapie over the summer and have renewed their pursuit following his difficult start to life in north London. The Ecuadorian has struggled with injury problems and now finds himself well down Arsenal's defensive pecking order.
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Hincapie currently sits behind Riccardo Calafiori at left back, while summer arrival Ezri Konsa has impressed at centre half alongside Gabriel. William Saliba is also back available after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a back injury, further squeezing Hincapie's opportunities.
With Barcelona on the lookout for central defensive reinforcements, a loan move to the Nou Camp for the remainder of the season has been floated as one possible solution. It remains uncertain, however, whether Mikel Arteta would sanction such a departure midway through the campaign.
Ferdinand's Konsa theory
Arsenal's options at the back could be about to take an interesting turn regardless of Hincapie's situation, with Rio Ferdinand suggesting Konsa might be moved to right back once Saliba is fully restored to the starting XI.
Konsa has been a standout performer since his move from Aston Villa, forming an effective partnership with Gabriel in the heart of defence. Saliba's return, though, threatens to disrupt that pairing and reform the title winning centre back duo that underpinned Arsenal's success last season.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, the former Manchester United defender explained why he believes shifting Konsa to right back, a position he has played for England, would be the sensible route for Arteta to take.
“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,” Ferdinand said. “I said to my son yesterday, 'Watch Ezri Konsa,' because everything he does is efficient. That's a great problem for Arteta to have. I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa goes back to right back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn't be surprised because Konsa is top.”
Focus returns to the pitch
These squad questions arrive as Arsenal's attention turns back to domestic matters following a statement 2012 style win at Anfield and a midweek Champions League trip to Slavia Prague. Arteta's side host surprise package Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with a win capable of provisionally opening up a six point gap over Manchester City.
January remains some way off, but with Arteta reportedly prioritising attacking reinforcements and considering potential exits, Hincapie's situation and Konsa's long term role look set to be among the key talking points as the winter window approaches.
