Any swap involving Piero Hincapie and Alejandro Balde is dead. That is the verdict of Fabrizio Romano, after reports that Barcelona had floated the exchange with both defenders valued at around €40 million.

Speaking on his YouTube channel as reported by TeamTalk, Romano said Arsenal will not entertain a sale: “Arsenal have no intention to sell Hincapié.”

Romano added that the Ecuadorian remains important to Mikel Arteta’s plans because of his ability to cover centre-back and left-back, and that Arsenal are happy with the defenders they already have, according to his reporting carried by Barca Universal.

Arteta’s defence is not up for renovation

Romano’s framing extends beyond one player. Arsenal, he said, see no reason to touch their back four in January.

Read also: Tottenham file formal Premier League complaint against ESPN reporter over Arsenal chant

The league table backs that confidence. Arsenal lead the Premier League with 24 points from nine matches, three clear of Manchester City, with eight wins and one defeat so far. Their most recent league fixture was a win over Liverpool.

A possibility, not a plan

The second half of Romano’s update is more measured than the louder January rumours suggest. A new forward is a possibility, not a project.

“A new signing up front is something that I would not rule out for Arsenal. I think it’s a possibility, but as of the 6th of November, we are not in a position to guarantee that Arsenal will sign a striker or will sign a forward, because this depends obviously on the opportunities,” Romano told TeamTalk viewers on his YouTube channel.

He described Arsenal’s approach as opportunistic: if the right player becomes available under the right conditions, they will move; if not, they will wait.

Read also: AC Milan face potential €100m financial blow as European struggles deepen

Read also: Roberto De Zerbi wants Morgan Gibbs-White at Tottenham after failed £60m transfer