Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the purchase option in his loan agreement.
The Ecuador international joined the Gunners late in last summer’s transfer window and quickly became a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapie established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back during the club’s Premier League title-winning campaign.
The 24-year-old featured in several crucial matches, including victories over Manchester City and Burnley, and was also preferred to Calafiori in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Confirming the move, Arsenal said the permanent transfer will officially take effect from July 1, praising Hincapie’s outstanding contribution during his loan spell.
The defender had been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Arsenal secured his long-term future in a deal reportedly worth around £35 million, with a contract running until 2031.
Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Arsenal end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title while also reaching the Champions League final.
He becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window and is currently on international duty with Ecuador, having featured in the team’s World Cup matches against Ivory Coast and Curaçao. Ecuador next face Germany in their final Group E fixture.
