Arsenal Secures Piero Hincapie on Permanent Deal

Arsenal confirmed on 25 June 2026 that it exercised the purchase option on defender Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen, making the move permanent from 1 July 2026. The player signed a contract through 2031. Reported fees range from €40 million (£34.5 million) to €52 million (£45 million) plus add-ons, with a 10 percent sell-on clause mentioned in some reports.

New York Times

Hincapie began at Independiente del Valle, winning the U-20 Copa Libertadores in 2020, then played for Talleres (22 appearances) before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. He made 166 appearances for Leverkusen, helping them to an unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga title. He has earned 54 caps for Ecuador and is part of the 2026 World Cup squad.

ESPN

In his debut season Hincapie featured in 39 matches, scoring once against Wolves and providing two assists. He started 20 Premier League games as Arsenal conceded 27 goals, the lowest tally in three consecutive seasons. He split his time between centre-back (22) and left-back (19) and started the Champions League final versus Paris Saint-Germain. He received Arsenal Player of the Month awards in February and April 2026.

ESPN

Sources differ on the exact sum. Arsenal’s statement cites €40 million (£34.5 million) plus add-ons. The BBC reports a similar figure. The Daily Cannon mentions €52 million (£45 million) and a sell-on clause. Completesports lists a £45 million fee. Variations stem from currency conversion and inclusion of conditional payments.

New York Times

Hincapie offers a left-footed defender able to cover both centre-back and left-back, providing positional flexibility for Arsenal’s title defence and Champions League campaign. Securing him permanently removes uncertainty ahead of pre-season and curtails external interest, including reported enquiries from Real Madrid.

Arsenal Confirm Piero Hincapie Permanent Transfer From Bayer Leverkusen - Read Arsenal F.C.

Arsenal said Hincapie played a key role in its Premier League-winning campaign, noting his 39 appearances and his contribution to a defence that had allowed the fewest goals over the previous three league seasons. Bayer Leverkusen stated that the purchase option criteria had been satisfied and that Hincapie will continue his career with the London club in the Premier League. Both clubs indicated that the transfer remains subject to regulatory approval.

ESPNArsenal confirm the signing of Piero Hincapie as they make loan move permanentArsenal Confirm Piero Hincapie Permanent Transfer From Bayer Leverkusen - Read Arsenal F.C.BBC News

No source presented explicit criticism of the transfer; coverage focuses on performance and strategic rationale.

Arsenal Confirm Piero Hincapie Permanent Transfer From Bayer Leverkusen - Read Arsenal F.C.

• “We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1.” — Arsenal, Official Statement

Piero Hincapie joins Arsenal in permanent deal

• “Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Piero back with us.” — Arsenal, Official Statement

Arsenal confirm the signing of Piero Hincapie as they make loan move permanent

• “Hincapie's here to stay ?? The club is delighted to announce that Piero has signed a permanent deal at The Arsenal ? — Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 25, 2026 A league champion with Leverkusen in the 2023-24 campaign too, Arsenal were keen to complete the initial loan signing last summer because of the defender’s ability to play both centre-back and left-back.” — Arsenal (@Arsenal) on Twitter

New York Times