Real Madrid lodge enquiry for Arsenal defender; move dependent on exits

Real Madrid remain active in the market for a central defender, and one of the names under consideration is Arsenal star Piero Hincapie.

Indeed, according to journalist Rodra of ESPN, the Ecuador international has emerged as a player of interest for new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, with an enquiry being made about his situation.

Although Real Madrid have already strengthened their defence with Ibrahima Konate, the Portuguese coach is still keen to add another left-footed defender capable of operating both centrally and at left-back.

Nico Schlotterbeck had been considered an option, but his World Cup injury has dampened hopes of a move, with Hincapie now emerging as a candidate.

Hincapie (R) is a target for Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Sales first

However, any further arrivals at Real Madrid this summer, be it in defence or midfield, are expected to depend on departures.

David Alaba’s departure at the end of his contract has created space, but Mourinho still has five centre-backs available in Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Konate.

Following the additions of Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries, the Spanish giants are conscious that the squad needs trimming before further signings can be completed.

One possible exit could be Asencio. As already reported, Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for the defender, with Mourinho giving the green light for his sale.

Hincapie will not come cheap

Securing Hincapie’s signature, however, would be far from straightforward.

Hincapie had a role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)

Arsenal only completed his permanent signing recently after activating the obligatory purchase clause included in the loan agreement with Bayer Leverkusen. The overall deal exceeded €50 million.

While Hincapie has not always been an undisputed starter under Mikel Arteta, he played an important role for the Gunners both at centre-back and left-back during their Premier League-winning campaign.

His versatility and left-footed profile are exactly the qualities Mourinho is believed to be seeking.

Apart from Hincapie, the Spanish capital giants are also keeping an eye on Manchester City mainstay Ruben Dias as well as Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.

However, for now, Real Madrid’s next moves depend largely on outgoing transfers.