Arsenal have no intention of selling Barcelona-linked 24-year-old defender – Romano

Arsenal have no intention of selling Barcelona-linked 24-year-old defender – Romano Barcelona will enter the market in the January transfer window to sign a new centre-back. Having decided not to strengthen the position in the summer, the Blaugrana have decided to address the vulnerabilities at the back with a new signing in the mid-season window. Barcelona are looking for an established left-footed centre-back who can come in and make an impact, leading to links with several players such as Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United and Natan of Real Betis . Another player touted as a potential target for the La Liga champions happens to be Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie . Some reports even suggested that the Ecuadorian defender is admired at Barça, who could consider offering Alejandro Balde to Arsenal in a potential swap deal. Arsenal will not sell Hincapie However, according to Fabrizio Romano , the possibility of a swap deal involving Hincapie and Balde happening between Barcelona and Arsenal is zero. Hincapie has been linked with Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) That is because the Premier League champions have absolutely no intention of selling the 24-year-old defender. Hincapie spent the last season on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen and played a key role in their Premier League triumph. Following that, his signing was made permanent in the summer, but he has not played regularly this time around due to a combination of injuries and tactical decisions by Mikel Arteta. This situation led to the speculations about a January exit, with Barcelona being credited with interest. Balde could still leave Barcelona. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) But, Romano has clarified that Arsenal are very happy with Hincapie and the entire make-up of their defensive unit. As such, the 24-year-old will not be sold nor involved in a swap deal with Balde. Balde could still leave However, Romano does add that the possibility of Balde leaving Barcelona remains very much alive, with the defender having fallen down the pecking order this season. The La Masia graduate could now be open to considering a departure in January, especially if his situation fails to improve between now and the winter window. The Spaniard is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A. However, a player swap involving him and Hincapie with Arsenal seems to be off the table.