Arsenal’s first summer transfer may have just been confirmed in massive hint | Football | Sport

Piero Hincapie has shared a heartfelt message amid mounting speculation that he could depart Arsenal this summer. The defender took to social media following the club’s defeat in the Champions League final. Arsenal were eliminated on a penalty shoot-out against PSG in Budapest on Saturday night, after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

Hincapie played the full 120 minutes for Arsenal at the Puskas Arena and proved instrumental in helping the Gunners reach the final in Hungary while also playing a pivotal role in their Premier League title triumph. Arsenal brought him to the Emirates Stadium from Bayer Leverkusen last summer on a loan arrangement, which also contains an option to make the transfer permanent for £45million.

Plenty of debate has surrounded whether Hincapie will become a permanent Arsenal player, and the Ecuador international has now published a message that hints strongly at him remaining at the club.

“I feel fortunate to be part of this group of dreamers,” Hincapie posted on Instagram to his 1.9million followers.

“It hurts, of course it does, but I’m convinced we’ll turn this pain into lessons for the future. We’ll be back.”

Hincapie’s parent club, Leverkusen, responded to the post with a comment featuring a heart hands emoji.

Numerous reports have indicated that Hincapie is widely expected to complete a permanent switch to Arsenal this summer, though fresh speculation has emerged suggesting a potential exit could also be on the cards.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal might consider selling Hincapie shortly after completing his permanent signing, should a suitable offer materialise that would enable them to turn a profit.

Barcelona have been linked with a potential move for Hincapie this summer, though the defender’s comments suggest he intends to remain part of Arsenal’s squad for next season.

Mikel Arteta was recently quizzed on whether Arsenal intend to sign Hincapie on a permanent basis, and offered a straightforward response.

“I would say so,” Arteta said. “Let’s go through the season. We have already discussed the possible outcomes that we have after that period. But so far, we are very, very happy with him.”

Arsenal are expected to clarify Hincapie’s future in due course, with the defender selected for the Ecuador squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will take place in North America.