Mikel Arteta reveals key Xabi Alonso conversation that led to Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie | OneFootball

Ecuadorian has struggled with injury since loan arrival from Germany

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Mikel Arteta has revealed how he picked the brains of Xabi Alonso before Arsenal swooped for Piero Hincapie this summer.

Arteta was keen on the left-back after watching him in action, but was able to learn more about him by speaking to Alonso.

Alonso is a good friend of Arteta’s after they grew up together and the Real Madrid boss knows all about Hincapie after coaching him for three years while in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

“Yes, for sure [I spoke to Alonso], I had to,” said Arteta. “Someone like him that I know so well, trust him and who had him for a few years, it is very valuable information to have.

Hincapie has been restricted to just one appearance for Arsenal since signing because of a groin injury.

The defender, however, is now back in training and ready to be part of the squad when the Gunners head to Fulham on Saturday.

Arteta is excited by what Hincapie can offer, with the Ecuador international capable of playing in the heart of defence or at left-back.

“What you are going to see is his aggression, his determination,” said Arteta. “He is a player who goes full gas to every single action, especially in defending.

“With the ball, whether he plays a left centre-back or a full-back, he is a player who is very clean on the ball.

“Again, someone who really wants to penetrate, whether it’s with the ball, his positioning, and it will bring a different character and emotion to the team.

“He is a player who is going to help us a lot, he is going to bring something different to the team. We need to get him going, get him to the speed that is necessary to compete at this level and gradually to where we want.”