Real Madrid are expected to remain active in the transfer market after a disappointing campaign.
Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy and have already turned to Jose Mourinho in an attempt to bring success back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants have strengthened several areas of the squad in recent weeks.
Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva have all arrived, while Denzel Dumfries will also join the club.
However, Mourinho is still eager to add another defender before the start of the new season. Real Madrid are specifically looking for a left-footed centre-back who can also operate as a full-back.
As a result, the club have started exploring several options across Europe. According to ESPN, Real Madrid have made contact over a potential move for Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie.
The report claims that Hincapie is one of several defenders under consideration as Madrid continue to assess their options.
The Ecuador international joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Although he was not always a guaranteed starter, Hincapie played an important role as Arsenal won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final.
A move could prove difficult to complete. ESPN reports that Real Madrid must first reduce the size of their squad before making further signings.
David Alaba has already left the club, but Mourinho still has several centre-backs available.
The report adds that Madrid are listening to offers for Raul Asencio, and his departure could create space for another defender.
Hincapie is not the only player on Real Madrid’s shortlist. Ruben Dias, Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck have also been considered as potential targets.
For now, Real Madrid are assessing their options while planning further changes to Mourinho’s squad.
However, Hincapie has emerged as one of the names firmly on their radar ahead of the new season.
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