Arsenal have finalized a permanent transfer for Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié, acquiring him from Bayer Leverkusen following the activation of a clause in his previous loan contract.
The 24-year-old center-back was a vital component of Mikel Arteta’s squad during the 2025/26 campaign, which saw the team capture the Premier League trophy. Throughout his loan period, Hincapié recorded 39 total appearances, including 20 league starts. His defensive contributions were instrumental in Arsenal finishing the season with only 27 goals conceded.
Hincapié, who also competed in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, previously enjoyed a successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. He was a key figure in their 2023/24 historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win, having made 166 appearances for the German club. His early career included stints at Independiente del Valle and the Argentine club Talleres de Cordoba.
Representing Ecuador, Hincapié has earned 54 international caps and has participated in four major tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The transfer becomes official on July 1, concluding a productive loan period that saw Arsenal regain their position at the top of the English game.
