Real Madrid News
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.
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.
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.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
