Nigel Winterburn Questions Arsenal’s £52m Pursuit of Piero Hincapie

Nigel Winterburn questions Piero Hincapie Arsenal transfer, warning i may be excessive for a squad with strong depth.

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has expressed concern over the club’s reported transfer interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, whose £52 million release clause has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.

Winterburn, a former left-back who made over 400 appearances for Arsenal, believes the club may be overspending on a player who might not be a guaranteed starter.

“Maybe they are thinking they need one more, but €60 million to sit on your bench? It seems quite a lot of money to me,” Winterburn told Metro.

With Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba forming a solid defensive partnership, and Jakub Kiwior already in the squad, Winterburn questions whether Hincapie’s arrival would lead to unnecessary competition or even a player exit.

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth Already Strong

Arsenal have recently added Cristhian Mosquera to their backline, further strengthening their defensive options. Winterburn suggests that unless injuries become a major concern, the club should be cautious about spending such a large sum.

“If the talent is there and you’ve got the money, then absolutely go and strengthen again,” he added.

Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy Under Scrutiny

Arsenal’s strong start to the season, including a 5–0 win over Leeds United and a victory against Manchester United, has reignited hopes of a Premier League title challenge. However, Winterburn insists that long-term planning should guide transfer decisions—not short-term form.

Piero Hincapie potential transfer to Arsenal could be a bold move, but Nigel Winterburn’s comments highlight the importance of strategic spending. With £52 million on the line, Arsenal must weigh the benefits of adding another defender against the risk of disrupting squad harmony.

All links on ArsenalTalks Shop are affiliate links. We may earn commissions that support our content—at no extra cost to you. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure for more information.