Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, having activating the purchase option in his loan arrangement.
The Ecuador international joined the Gunners near the end of last summer’s transfer window and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the group.
Despite competition from academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapie finished his first season in England as Arsenal’s preferred left back, playing a key role in the club’s successful Premier League title campaign.
The 24-year-old began critical matches in the run-up, including games against Manchester City and Burnley, and was chosen over Calafiori in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal has confirmed that Piero Hincapié’s permanent transfer will begin on July 1.
The English club announced the move on their website, saying, “We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1.”
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.”
Hincapie was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but the defender chose to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are said to have paid about £35 million to acquire his talents on a long-term contract that will supposedly last until 2031.
Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Arsenal win their first league title in 22 years and advance to the Champions League final.
The defender is Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window, after the club spent over £250 million on seven players the previous season.
Meanwhile, Hincapie is on international service for the Ecuador national football team.
Hincapie has played in both of Ecuador’s World Cup matches thus far, a 1-0 loss to the Ivory Coast national football team and a goalless draw against the Curaçao national football team, and is anticipated to play again when Ecuador faces Germany in their final group game.
