Mikel Arteta can find his strategy for the meeting at Crystal Palace buried somewhere beneath the expensive bottles of wine and greasy kebabs that he has been saving for the past four years in hopes of just this moment.
However, that could have been torn in half as the Premier League trophy awaits.
There were moments when it looked like Arsenal would be eliminated again. They didn’t do it the easy way.
Sadly, in the end it was Manchester City who blinked first to signal the start of the party in north London.
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This speaks volumes about the kind of talent Arsenal need to bring in as they plan for the summer transfer window, even as the celebrations continue.
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flexing his champion muscles, Andrea Berta is closing in on winning his first contract. According to CBS Sports, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Piero Hincapie, making his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer.
The Gunners will activate their option to sign the centre-back in a deal worth £45m before proceeding with a deal.
As far as loan transfers are concerned, the South American team is more successful than ever and with the Champions League final awaiting them, it could get even better.
Hincapie certainly deserves a lot of credit for how he earned a permanent move to North London. After all, he didn’t initially convince everyone around Emirates that he was the right person for the job.
It was after a shaky start that he became a key part of Arteta’s team.
How £45m Hincapie followed Gabriel’s path to join Arsenal
The story of Hincapie’s season can be divided into two parts. He will be the first to reflect on the tough first half. He has been inconsistent at times and a groin problem prevented him from immediately joining Arteta’s plans.
In fact, the defender’s first perfect 90 for Arsenal in the Premier League came on Matchday 13, against London rivals Chelsea.
Since then, he has played a key role, making 13 full appearances in the next 22 league games. Any fears that he was becoming a burden quickly dissipated in the meantime. If anything, Hincapie’s versatility has made him an incredibly reliable option for Arteta.
It’s the same path Gabriel once took. Of course, the Brazilian is currently one of the best defenders in the world and arguably the most dangerous set-piece threat. But there was a time when he was Arsenal’s biggest problem.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said:Rush…and I’ve said this several times about Gabriel. He is hasty and makes crazy and wild decisions. ”
Similar criticism was leveled at Hincapie by fans earlier this season, but like Gabriel, he responded with determination to prove his doubters wrong.
PL 25/26 | |
|---|---|
minutes | 1,702 |
tackle | 48 |
Successful duel | 58.9% |
Contribution in defense | 166 |
collect | 59 |
Hincapie made a remarkable comeback and did enough to earn praise from manager Arteta. The Arsenal manager told reporters in March: “When I spoke to Xavi just before I signed him, I asked him how to describe him in one word and he said, ‘He’s a warrior.’
“He’ll play through brick walls and he’s one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played with. He came to the Premier League after a difficult start with surgery and no pre-season, but watching him compete on the pitch, surrounded by his team-mates, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.”
It’s hard to argue with that accolade, and that’s exactly why Hincapie remains in north London.
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