Arsenal Complete Permanent Signing Of Piero Hincapie From Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after triggering the purchase option included in his loan agreement.

The Premier League champions confirmed the deal on Thursday, bringing an end to months of speculation over the future of the 24-year-old centre-back.

The Gunners agreed a £45 million fee for Hincapie when he arrived on loan from the Bundesliga club last summer, and the conditions required to activate the clause have now been met.

Hincapie played a major role in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign, making 39 appearances across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side. His performances helped strengthen a defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League over the past three seasons.

In a statement on the club’s official website, Arsenal said: “We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1.

“Piero spent last season on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was an integral part of our Premier League-winning campaign.

“The 24-year-old defender made 39 appearances in all competitions, becoming a key member of our defensive unit, which has now conceded the fewest goals in the last three Premier League seasons.

“A successful first season in north London saw Piero make his debut for us in our 2-0 win away to Athletic Club in the Champions League back in September 2025.

“Piero’s first and only goal came in our draw away to Wolves in February, the same month in which he won our Arsenal Player of the Month award, an accolade he would also receive in April.”

The statement also highlighted Hincapie’s rise through the ranks at Independiente del Valle before spells with Talleres and Bayer Leverkusen, where he made 166 appearances and helped the German club win their first Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.

Leverkusen confirmed the move, saying: “The conditions for the purchase option were met and defender Hincapie will therefore continue his career with the London club in the Premier League in the coming years.”

Hincapie is currently representing Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to feature when his country face Germany on Thursday.