Arsenal complete permanent signing of Hincapie from Leverkusen

n n

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

n

The Ecuador international joined the Gunners during the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window and quickly established himself as a key member of the squad.

n

Despite competition from academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapie ended his first season in England as Arsenal’s preferred left-back, featuring prominently during the club’s successful Premier League title campaign.

n

The 24-year-old started crucial matches during the run-in, including fixtures against Manchester City and Burnley, and was also preferred to Calafiori in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

n

The permanent transfer had long been expected, with Arsenal now confirming that the deal will officially take effect from July 1.

n

Announcing the move on its webiste, the English club said, “We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1.”

n

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

n

Reports had linked Hincapie with a move to Real Madrid, but the defender has opted to continue his career at the Emirates Stadium.

n

Arsenal are understood to have paid around £35 million to secure his services on a long-term contract, reportedly running until 2031.

n

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.

n

The defender becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window after the club invested more than £250 million on seven players during the previous campaign.

n

Meanwhile, Hincapie is currently on international duty with the Ecuador national football team.

n

He has featured in both of Ecuador’s World Cup matches so far, a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast national football team and a goalless draw against the Curaçao national football team, and is expected to be in action again when Ecuador face Germany national football team in their final group game.

n n