Arsenal Complete Permanent Signing of Hincapie from Leverkusen

Premier League champions Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the purchase option included in his loan agreement.

Hincapie joined the Gunners on loan during the final stages of last summer’s transfer window and quickly became a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad. The 24-year-old impressed throughout the campaign, establishing himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back despite competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.

The defender played an important role in Arsenal’s title-winning season, featuring in crucial matches against Manchester City and Burnley, while also earning the nod ahead of Calafiori in the club’s UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Confirming the deal, Arsenal announced that Hincapie’s permanent transfer will officially take effect on July 1.

“We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1,” the club said in a statement, adding that the defender was “an integral part” of their Premier League-winning campaign.

Reports suggest Arsenal paid around £35 million to secure Hincapie on a long-term contract that runs until 2031, ending speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The Ecuador international made 39 appearances across all competitions last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final.

Hincapie becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window and is currently representing Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he has featured in matches against Ivory Coast and Curaçao. He is expected to be in action again when Ecuador face Germany in their final group-stage fixture.