Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie after activating the purchase option included in his loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen.The Ecuador international spent the 2025-26 campaign at the Emirates Stadium and played a key role as Mikel Artetas side secured the Premier League title.Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions during his loan spell, including 20 starts in the Premier League as Arsenal finished the season with the divisions best defensive record, conceding just 27 goals.The 24-year-old also featured in Arsenals run to the Champions League final, starting against Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece event.Table of ContentsImportant figure in title-winning campaignSuccess in Germany before Arsenal switchInternational experienceImportant figure in title-winning campaignCapable of operating at centre-back or left-back, Hincapie quickly established himself as an important member of Artetas squad following his debut in September.His consistency and versatility helped Arsenal compete on multiple fronts throughout the season, with the defender becoming a regular fixture in the starting line-up.The move will officially become permanent on 1 July.Success in Germany before Arsenal switchBefore arriving in north London, Hincapi enjoyed a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen.He made 166 appearances for the Bundesliga side and was part of the team that secured the clubs first German league title during the 2023-24 season while completing an unbeaten domestic campaign.His performances in Germany established him as one of Europes most highly rated defenders before Arsenal moved to bring him to the Premier League.International experienceHincapie began his professional career with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle before joining Argentine side Talleres in 2020.After one season in Argentina, he earned a move to Leverkusen, where his development accelerated on both the domestic and international stage.The defender has won 54 caps for Ecuador and has represented his country at four major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup. Topics Arsenal F.C. piero hincapie Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey handed first full-time head coach role by Oxford Jon Fisher 23rd June, 2026 Haaland eyes France decider: Ill definitely get criticism Ben Miller 23rd June, 2026 Arsenal fixtures 2026/27: List in full as champions start at home to Coventry Jon Fisher 19th June, 2026 Premier League Fixtures 2026/27: Arsenal to start new season against top-flight newcomers Coventry Jon Fisher 19th June, 2026 Michael Olise can win the Ballon dOr, claims former boss who rescued France star after being discarded by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City Jon Fisher 10th June, 2026 Netherlands: Arsenal star Timber ruled out of 2026 World Cup Nicholas McGee 8th June, 2026
