Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has strongly indicated that defender Piero Hincapié will join Arsenal permanently at the end of the season, providing the clearest signal yet that the Ecuador international’s move to the Emirates Stadium has already been agreed.
Hincapié joined ARSENAL from Bayer 04 Leverkusen on a season-long loan last summer, with the agreement including a clause that allows the north London club to make the transfer permanent once the campaign concludes.
In comments recently made Rolfes effectively confirmed that the arrangement is expected to turn into a full transfer. The Leverkusen executive acknowledged that the player technically remains contracted to the Bundesliga side but suggested the permanent switch is inevitable once the season ends.
“Because of Covid there was never the environment, the opportunity to say goodbye to him, even if we saw each other afterwards. But now I think it’s a very special setting for him to come back to the BayArena and for Piero [Hincapie] too, of course.
“He’s still officially our player and is only on loan at the moment but it will come to the transfer and I think for Piero it’s just as special too.’
The 24-year-old defender has impressed since arriving in London, gradually becoming a regular option in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup. Initially used at centre-back as cover for injuries, Hincapié has also excelled at left-back, where his pace, composure and ability to progress the ball have made him a valuable tactical asset.
Reports suggest the deal was structured as an initial loan largely for financial and accounting reasons, with ARSENAL paying a fee and agreeing a purchase package worth roughly €52 million (£45m) to be activated this summer.
That figure would represent a significant piece of business for Arsenal, but the club believe the defender fits perfectly into Arteta’s long-term plans. Hincapié was a key figure in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga and cup-winning campaign in 2023-24 and arrived in England with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s most versatile young defenders.
His performances in the Premier League and Champions League this season appear to have strengthened Arsenal’s resolve to complete the transfer. According to recent reports, the defender has already made dozens of appearances and established himself as one of the manager’s trusted defensive options.
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