Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal Pull Off Late Move for Bundesliga Star Defender Piero Hincapie

Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan. The agreement includes an option to make the move permanent next summer for £45 million (€52m).

Personal terms are already in place for a potential five-year contract. The 23-year-old Hincapie made 166 appearances for Leverkusen since he joined them from Argentine side Talleres de Cordoba in 2021. He was an integral part of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

🔴⚪️ OFFICIAL: Arsenal confirm Piero Hincapié deal done and sealed from Bayer Leverkusen.

New centre back for Arteta. pic.twitter.com/6MAHwhN62P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025

He helped the team to win the Bundesliga and German Cup and reach the Europa League final in the 2023-24 season. The Ecuadorian defender is known for his tactical awareness and versatility. He featured in 43 games last season as Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic campaign.

The defender signing a contract extension with Leverkusen in December 2023, running until 2029. Even so, he expressed a desire to join the Premier League and prioritized a switch to Arsenal. He appeared emotional after Leverkusen’s 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim last weekend. That signalled the end of his chapter at the BayArena.

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Mikel Arteta’s Plan for Piero Hincapie

Hincapie becomes Arsenal’s eighth signing of a busy transfer window. He has joined the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, and Eberechi Eze. He will wear the number five shirt for the Gunners this season.

Speaking about their new defender, the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said, “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.”

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He added, “He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.” The arrival of Hincapie comes alongside departures in defense. Jakub Kiwior completed a loan move to Porto as part of Arsenal’s restructuring at the back. Midfield changes were also confirmed.

Fabio Vieira headed to Hamburg on loan and Sambi Lokonga confirmed a permanent exit. The Gunners have an option to buy and a five-year deal waiting in the wings. Hence, with this deal, the north London club could be making a long-term investment in one of South America’s brightest defensive talents.

Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen

Piero Hincapie

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.