Report: Chelsea make first move to sign 'really impressive' World Cup star who Arsenal and Conte both want

By Lee Connor

Chelsea have reportedly made the first steps to sign Ecuador defender, Piero Hincapie, despite interest from Tottenham and Arsenal.

Hincapie is impressing over in Qatar with Ecuador and is thought to be high on the list of potential signings for a number of clubs. Tottenham are credited with holding an interest in the defender. Reports this week have also claimed Arsenal are keen on Hincapie, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen their squad.

However, according to a report from The Mirror today, it is Chelsea who have taken the first steps in making a move to sign Hincapie. The Mirror claims that Graham Potter has put Hincapie on a list of defenders who can eventually replace the evergreen Thiago Silva.

Hincapie, 20, has been in outstanding form over the last 18 ,months and appears to have taken that into the World Cup with him.

Described by reports from his homeland as ‘really impressive’, Hincapie is hoping to help Ecuador see off Senegal in their final group game and advance to the last 16.

Currently at Bayer Leverkusen, The Mirror adds that the German side are bracing themselves for a serious bid from someone as soon as January.

TBR’s View: Hincapie is showing his class in Qatar

It’s not hard to see why the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal are all looking at Piero Hincapie. He is a young man with a bright future and his performances so far for Ecuador have been great.

Hincapie looks to have all the tools to be a top defender. He has the aggression you typically expect with a South American defender but also combines that with grace and good footwork.

Whoever does win the race for Hincapie is getting a fine player. And it’s easy to why the likes of the London trio mentioned here are so keen.