Arsenal get their man! Gunners confirm loan signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen

The Gunners have announced Hincapie has moved to the Emirates Stadium on a season-long loan, though Leverkusen say the deal also contains an obligation to buy the Ecuador international next summer. The buy clause is believed to be worth £45 million (€52m/$61m), according to The Athletic.

Hincapie has become Arsenal's eighth signing in what has been a busy summer transfer window for the club. Mikel Arteta's side have also brought in Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga for 2025-26 season.

Speaking to Arsenal's official club website, Arteta said of Hincapie's arrival: "We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club.

“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. We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal.”

Hincapie's move to Arsenal sees him become the latest star to leave Leverkusen this summer. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka and Amine Adli have also departed the Bundesliga club, while Xabi Alonso left to become Real Madrid manager. Leverkusen replaced the Spaniard with Erik ten Hag but they announced earlier on transfer deadline day that they had sacked the former Manchester United boss after just three games in charge.

Hincapie could make his Premier League debut when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on September 13. Meanwhile Leverkusen will play host to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on September 12.