“Thank god” – Arsenal player thrilled to pick ‘great club’ Gunners over La Liga giants

Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié is happy that several clubs wanted to secure his services, but content where he is. 

Last September, he joined the Premier League side from Bayer Leverkusen on loan with a conditional obligation to buy.

The defender picked up an injury later that month, delaying his Arsenal debut until October.

At the Emirates, Mikel Arteta has used him in his preferred role as a centre-back and also as a left-back.

The Ecuador international has played 2,413 minutes from 34 matches, managing a goal and two assists.

His Premier League stats this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 23
• Starts: 19
• Total minutes: 1,684
• Minutes per game: 73
• Interceptions per game: 1.0
• Tackles per game: 2.0
• Ball recovered per game: 2.6
• Clearances per game: 3.7
• Blocked shots per game: 0.4
• Duels won per game: 4.3

Pleased with support at Arsenal

Piero Hincapié is likely to be in contention to start for Arsenal in their Champions League semi final clash against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.

The first leg will take place in the Spanish capital and ahead of this tie, Tuesday’s edition of AS has published an interview with the 24-year-old.

AS points out that prior to his move to Arsenal, the La Liga giants showed interest.

When asked whether he knew about transfer links, the player is happy to have picked Mikel Arteta’s side.

“I don’t look at social media much. I talk to my agent,” he said.

“At the time of the talks, I don’t know if there was a truly concrete offer, but it’s also wonderful that so many important clubs want you on their roster. Thank God I chose this great club, with a great coach.”

On Monday, the defender’s Arsenal teammate, Cristhian Mosquera, revealed the Madrid club’s interest before joining the Gunners last summer.

On his adaptation at the north London club, Hincapié explained: “The truth is, everything went very well from the start. They helped me adapt quickly. At the beginning, it’s always a new challenge, with new players, a new staff, and I think I’ve adapted in the best way possible. I want to continue proving myself.”

Ødegaard’s absence due to injuries

Mikel Arteta can select Martin Ødegaard for the first leg against Atlético, after the Norway international has repeatedly struggled with injuries this season.

AS asked the Ecuadorian how Ødegaard’s presence and absence impact Arsenal.

“The truth is, he’s a player with extraordinary qualities. Obviously, he gives us a lot in attack,” he added.

“But we have a very large squad, so any player who plays in his position can do it very well. With different qualities but still helping us. I don’t think it affects us at all, but we do miss a player of those qualities on the pitch.”