Arsenal signs Hincapie permanently from Leverkusen

Piero Hincapie. Photo: Getty Images

Arsenal, the Premier League champions, have made the signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen permanent. They did this by activating the purchase option in his loan deal.

Hincapie, who plays for Ecuador, joined Arsenal late last summer. He quickly became an important part of the team.

Even with competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who came from the academy, and new signing Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapie finished his first season in England as Arsenal's first-choice left-back. He played a key role in the club's Premier League title win.

The 24-year-old was crucial in important matches, including games against Manchester City and Burnley. He was also picked over Calafiori in the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Everyone expected the permanent transfer, and Arsenal confirmed that it will officially start on July 1.

The club shared the news on their website, saying, "We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1."

They added, "Piero spent last season on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was an integral part of our Premier League-winning campaign."

There were reports linking Hincapie to Real Madrid, but he chose to stay and continue his career at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal is believed to have paid around £35 million for him, and the contract is reportedly set to last until 2031.

Last season, Hincapie played 39 matches in all competitions. He helped Arsenal end a 22-year wait for a league title and also reach the Champions League final.

He is now Arsenal's first signing of the summer transfer window. The club had spent over £250 million on seven players during the last season.

Currently, Hincapie is on international duty with the Ecuador national team.

He has played in both of Ecuador's World Cup matches so far, including a 1-0 loss to the Ivory Coast and a goalless draw against Curaçao. He is set to play again when Ecuador meets Germany in their last group game.