Piero Hincapie joins Arsenal on permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen after Ecuador international's successful loan spell
By Ben Morse
Updated 25/06/2026 at 16:08 GMT+1
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Arsenal have announced that they have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie's loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent. The Ecuador international is currently playing for his country at the World Cup.
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Hincapie played a key role in The Gunners' Premier League triumph and run to the UEFA Champions League final last season.
The defender was previously on loan from Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. But after making 39 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years, the Londoners announced on Thursday that they had "activated the option" to make his transfer permanent from July 1.
"Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Piero back with us," Arsenal said in a statement, adding that the transfer is "subject to the completion of regulatory processes."
Hincapie burst onto the scene with Leverkusen after signing for the German club in 2021.
Under manager Xabi Alonso, he played a crucial role as Leverkusen won their first Bundesliga title in the 2023/2024, finishing the domestic season unbeaten and also reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League where they were beaten by Atalanta.
Hincapie made 166 appearances across four seasons with Leverkusen, earning his loan move to Arsenal as a result of his performances.
He made his debut for Arsenal in a 2-0 win at Athletic Club in the Champions League in September 2025.
Primarily used as a left-back, Hincapie also featured as a centre-back when needed.
Hincapie faced stiff competition from both Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly for the starting left-back position, but his consistent performances helped quickly establish himself as a vital part of Mikel Arteta's defence.
Hincapie scored his first and only goal for Arsenal so far in a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, slotting home from close range to open his account for his new club.
He won Arsenal's Player of the Month award in February, and then won it for the second time in April.
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In total, the 24-year-old played a crucial role in one of the stoutest defences in the Premier League last season, conceding just 27 times in the league.
He was in the starting line-up for Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final against Paris-Saint Germain, playing every minute as they lost on penalties in Budapest.
Hincapie also has made 54 appearances for Ecuador's senior side, including at four major tournaments.
He has played every minute for Ecuador in their two games so far at the World Cup. They face a crucial match against Germany on Thursday as they aim to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
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