Arsenal full everlasting signing of Hincapie

Arsenal have confirmed the everlasting signing of defender Piero Hincapie after activating the acquisition choice included in his mortgage deal from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Ecuador worldwide spent the 2025-26 marketing campaign on the Emirates Stadium and performed a key position as Mikel Arteta’s facet secured the Premier League title.

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions throughout his mortgage spell, together with 20 begins within the Premier League as Arsenal completed the season with the division’s finest defensive report, conceding simply 27 objectives.

The 24-year-old additionally featured in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League ultimate, beginning in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain within the showpiece occasion.

Essential determine in title-winning marketing campaign

Able to working at centre-back or left-back, Hincapie shortly established himself as an vital member of Arteta’s squad following his debut in September.

His consistency and flexibility helped Arsenal compete on a number of fronts all through the season, with the defender changing into a daily fixture within the beginning line-up.

The transfer will formally grow to be everlasting on 1 July.

Success in Germany earlier than Arsenal swap

Earlier than arriving in north London, Hincapié loved a profitable spell with Bayer Leverkusen.

He made 166 appearances for the Bundesliga facet and was a part of the workforce that secured the membership’s first German league title through the 2023-24 season whereas finishing an unbeaten home marketing campaign.

His performances in Germany established him as considered one of Europe’s most extremely rated defenders earlier than Arsenal moved to deliver him to the Premier League.

Worldwide expertise

Hincapie started his skilled profession with Ecuadorian membership Independiente del Valle earlier than becoming a member of Argentine facet Talleres in 2020.

After one season in Argentina, he earned a transfer to Leverkusen, the place his improvement accelerated on each the home and worldwide stage.

The defender has gained 54 caps for Ecuador and has represented his nation at 4 main tournaments, together with the 2026 World Cup.