UCL: Arteta reveals player Alonso convinced him to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal Manager Credits Xabi Alonso with Signing Piero Hincapie

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the significant influence of former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso in the decision to acquire defender Piero Hincapie last year.

The Gunners successfully secured Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, fending off competition from Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal holds the option to finalize the transfer for £45 million this summer.

In an interview with TNT Sports ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, Arteta recounted his conversation with Alonso regarding Hincapie. “Before we signed Hincapie, I asked Xabi to describe him in one word, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior,’” Arteta said.

“He will play through brick walls for you, and he is one of the most competitive players that I have had. He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character,” Arteta added.

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