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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed in the pre-match Chelsea presser that he thinks the club will sign Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis.
Hincapie has probably been Arsenal's most solid and consistent signing of the season so far. Arsenal's big money signings in Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres have not been consistent enough over the course of the season.
Even Martin Zubimendi, who has largely been a really good (and much, much-needed) addition to this team, has also had a few hiccups here and there.
Hincapie has been Arsenal's best signing by a long shot, he has been a really convincing addition to the backline, and has helped the club in Riccardo Calafiori's absence.
Mikel Arteta just confirmed what Arsenal fans already knew about Piero Hincapie
Arteta was asked about whether the club is looking to bringing him on from Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis, and Arteta gave a positive answer.
He said: "I would say so. 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."
The manager is elated with the signing as well, as he talked about how dominant he has been from a defensive aspect.
He said: "I fully agree. Again, a bit more time with the team. A sequence of games where, probably, physically, he's in a much better place.
"He's been extremely dominant in all the defensive actions. He understands what we want in the attacking part as well much better, all the set-pieces, all the aspects that are relative to the game model that we have.
"He's very much liked amongst the players, you can see that the way they interact and react with him. I'm very pleased that he's showing that level.
As a player on loan, that is exactly what Hincapie would want to hear. It is more than clear that he is liked by both the club as well as the manager, and the fact that he has a good rapport with the rest of the group is also a very good sign.
Let's be clear about this, though: this was the worst-kept secret of all time. Every Arsenal fan knew that Arsenal were leaning towards signing him permanently, and all they needed was confirmation for that.
That is what Arteta has provided, and it remains to be seen just how much the club is able to achieve this season. There is no doubt that Hincapie would be crucial in making sure they are able to win as many titles as possible.
It is also worth noting that Hincapie has been so good that it is not even clear if Calafiori would just walk back into the lineup. He would have to work hard for his spot, because of the ways in which Hincapie has impressed not just the club, but also their fans.