Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €52 million.
The Ecuador international joins after the Gunners triggered an option-to-buy clause included in last summer’s loan agreement, when the defender effectively replaced Jakub Kiwior, whose move to Porto has also been made permanent.
Hincapie made 39 appearances during his debut season in England, splitting his time between left-back, where he dovetailed with Riccardo Calafiori, and left centre-back when Gabriel Magalhaes was rested or unavailable.
The 24-year-old scored once, away at Wolves in a 2-2 draw, and provided two assists. He also broke the internet with a viral bum flash during the final home game of the season against Burnley, a moment that further endeared him to Arsenal supporters who had already taken to his on-pitch ‘warrior’ temperament.
It’s been reported that Hincapie’s performances last season attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, most notably Barcelona and Real Madrid. Even so, a quick sale doesn’t sound like the sort of move Arsenal would entertain, even if it might generate a healthy profit.
We’re still waiting for confirmation on the length of his new contract, though we’d imagine it’s at least three years.