By Abigail David
Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the purchase option included in his loan agreement.
The Ecuador international joined Arsenal during the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window and quickly became an important figure in the squad.
Hincapie established himself as the club’s first-choice left-back despite competition from academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. He played a key role in Arsenal’s successful Premier League title-winning campaign, featuring prominently throughout the season.
The 24-year-old started several crucial matches during the run-in, including fixtures against Manchester City and Burnley, and was also selected ahead of Calafiori for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal confirmed that the permanent transfer will officially take effect on July 1.
In a statement, the club said it was delighted to activate the option to make Hincapie’s move permanent following his impressive performances during his loan spell from Leverkusen.
The defender had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but has chosen to continue his career at the Emirates Stadium.
Reports indicate Arsenal paid approximately £35 million to secure the defender on a long-term contract believed to run until 2031.
Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a league title and also reached the Champions League final.
The Ecuadorian becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window following the club’s significant investment in new players during the previous campaign.
Meanwhile, Hincapie is currently on international duty with the Ecuador national football team. He has featured in Ecuador’s opening World Cup matches and is expected to be involved again when his side faces the Germany national football team in their final group-stage fixture.
