ARSENAL hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze last summer – and they reportedly rushed into landing Piero Hincapie after Spurs set their sights on a deal.
The defender, 24, joined the Gunners on an initial loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal won the race for Piero Hincapie last summerCredit: Getty
The Gunners made their move after Tottenham looked to strike a dealCredit: Getty
And to turn Hincapie’s switch into a permanent agreement at the end of the season.
But the Premier League table-toppers only swooped for the Ecuadorian when it became clear that he was on Tottenham’s list of targets.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs were prepared to sanction a move which would have seen Hincapie join immediately.
But that led to Arsenal rushing into offering Leverkusen a structured agreement which would still guarantee a permanent exit from Germany.
It means that Tottenham played a secret role in the Gunners getting their hands on , who has gone on to become boss Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back.
The Bundesliga title winner has made 27 appearances since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
And Hincapie’s form has been key in Arsenal challenging for a historic quadruple.
Fellow suitors Tottenham are desperately trying to claw themselves away from a humiliating relegation to the Championship after missing out.
Thomas Frank, who was in charge of Spurs when they came calling for Hincapie’s signature, .
Igor Tudor was brought in as the Dane’s replacement until the end of the season – but he has suffered defeat in every showdown so far.
Hincapie is now Arsenal’s first-choice left-backCredit: Getty
The North Londoners also beat Spurs to Eberechi Eze’s signatureCredit: Getty
It has left Tottenham just ONE POINT adrift of the Premier League’s dreaded drop zone.
Spurs missed out on Hincapie after also being beaten by their arch-rivals in the race for Eze.
The England man, 27, and sealed a £67.5m move from Crystal Palace.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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