Arsenal Sign Piero Hincapié on Loan from Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal secure Piero Hincapié on loan from Bayer Leverkusen to boost defensive depth ahead of the new season. Option to buy included.

Arsenal have officially signed Ecuadorian centre-back Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

Arsenal agreed to pay a €6 million (£5 million) loan fee to secure Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. The deal includes a €52 million (£45 million) purchase option, which the club can trigger in 2026.

If Arsenal activates the clause, Hincapié will sign a five-year contract that runs through 2031. Bayer Leverkusen also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause, while Hincapié secured a 10% share of the transfer fee—estimated at £4.5 million.

Hincapié, 23, arrives after a stellar campaign with Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in their unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season and DFB-Pokal triumph in 2023–24. Known for his pace, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he can operate both as a central defender and left-back—a profile Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long sought to complement William Saliba and Gabriel.

“Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options,” said Arteta. “He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive”.

 International Pedigree

Hincapié has already earned 46 caps for Ecuador, featuring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América tournaments in 2021 and 2024. His experience at both club and international level makes him a valuable addition to Arsenal’s evolving squad.

In addition, Hincapié will wear the number 5 shirt and plans to join the squad once he returns from international duty. He could make his debut in Arsenal’s upcoming fixture after the international break.

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