Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer for £45m (€52m).
The 23-year-old centre-back, who will wear the No.5 shirt at the Emirates, joins after three successful seasons in Germany, where he made 166 appearances in all competitions and played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 campaign, winning both the Bundesliga and German Cup under Xabi Alonso.
Arteta on Hincapié
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the defender’s arrival, praising his blend of quality and character:
“Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options. He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.”
Known for his pace, composure on the ball, and ability to play both centrally and at left-back, Hincapié has earned 34 caps for Ecuador since making his international debut in 2021 and featured for his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Transfer business at Arsenal
Hincapié becomes Arteta’s eighth signing of a busy summer, following Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Eberechi Eze.
The club has invested heavily as it looks to challenge on all fronts, including a return to the Champions League knockout stages.
His arrival coincides with defensive reshuffling at the Emirates; Polish international Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto on a season-long loan, with Hincapié seen as his direct replacement in Arteta’s squad.
Elsewhere, midfield departures have also been confirmed, Fabio Vieira, signed from Porto for £34.2m in 2022, has joined Hamburg on loan, while Belgian midfielder Sambi Lokonga has left permanently for the German club in a deal believed to include a future sell-on clause.
The bigger picture
Arsenal’s defensive reinforcements come after injuries disrupted their backline last season, exposing a lack of depth behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Hincapié’s signing not only provides immediate cover but also a long-term option if the club exercises its £45m purchase clause next summer.