Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie after activating the purchase option in his loan agreement with Bayer Leverkusen, making the Ecuador international the club’s first arrival of the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract after an impressive season at the Emirates Stadium, where he established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad during Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign. The deal is worth around £34.5 million and had been expected for several months after the Gunners agreed the framework of a permanent transfer earlier this year.
Hincapie initially arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen before quickly proving his value with a series of consistent performances across multiple defensive positions. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, his versatility became an important asset as Arsenal competed on several fronts throughout the season.
After a steady start following his arrival in north London, Hincapie grew into one of Arteta’s most trusted defensive options. He featured in 39 appearances across all competitions, helping Arsenal finish with one of the strongest defensive records in the Premier League while also playing a significant role in the club’s run to the UEFA Champions League final.
Arteta has been a long-time admirer of the defender and previously described Hincapie as a player who combines aggression, intensity and technical quality. Arsenal’s coaching staff believe those attributes make him an ideal fit for the club’s high-pressing style and provide valuable competition across the back line.
The transfer has been completed while Hincapie is representing Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The defender has started his country’s opening group matches and will join up with Arsenal ahead of pre-season after the tournament concludes.
Securing Hincapie’s long-term future allows Arsenal to turn their attention to strengthening other areas of the squad. The Premier League champions are expected to remain active in the market, with midfield and attacking reinforcements among Arteta’s priorities before the new campaign begins.
Several high-profile players continue to be linked with moves to the Emirates, including Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. However, Arsenal’s first piece of summer business has been ensuring one of last season’s standout performers remains at the club permanently.
With Hincapie now tied to a long-term contract, Arsenal have secured a defender entering the prime years of his career while maintaining the defensive depth that proved crucial in delivering the club’s first league title in more than two decades. The move also provides Arteta with continuity at the back as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League crown and challenge again in Europe.
