Real Madrid Want Arsenal Star Piero Hincapie

Arsenal are facing a fight to keep hold of defender Piero Hincapie, as ESPN reports that Real Madrid have made enquiries about signing the Ecuadorian international this summer.

It's not the first time that Jose Mourinho has come knocking at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with previous reports suggesting that Riccardo Calafiori was a target for Los Blancos.

In that instance, Arsenal held firm and instead, Real Madrid went and signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea to fill the void they had at left-back.

However, with centre-back problems lurking in the background for the Spanish giants, they are back shopping in the Premier League, and are looking to swipe a star from the Gunners.

After failing in an attempt to sign Calafiori, Real Madrid are looking at Arsenal star Hincapie, as ESPN reports that enquiries have been made over a deal.

It comes as Los Blancos want a left-footed centre-back, with moves elsewhere in the backline set to free up a space for the position this summer.

Any deal looks difficult, however, as Arsenal are set to make Hincapie's loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer with a £45 million clause in his deal.

That's not to say a move isn't possible, but the Gunners would likely be hesitant to let the 24-year-old leave without at least banking a significant profit on a switch to a Champions League rival.

Having already sounded out Hincapie, the report adds that Real Madrid have also enquired about Ruben Dias, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nico Schlotterbeck - though the latter is now unlikely to move due to an injury sustained at the World Cup with Germany.

In all, it means Arsenal could face a potential battle in keeping the versatile defender, but have all the cards in their hand to keep him if they so wish.

Hincapie wasn't always a guaranteed started for Arsenal over the course of the previous season, but he did play a large role in the team finally winning the Premier League.

The defender was a reliable option, especially when injuries struck in the backline, adding plenty of pace and physicality at full-back in particular.

"When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, 'He’s a warrior,'" Arteta said in March to TNT Sports.

Arsenal continue to be linked with potential forward options in the market, but face a battle to land one key target.

"He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.

"He has an aura, a charisma - a really special character."

It shows exactly what Arteta thinks of Hincapie, and perhaps further underlines how tough it may be for Real Madrid to tempt a move this summer.