Piero Hincapie
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have concluded their busy summer transfer window with the signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old becomes the Gunners’ eighth acquisition of a record-breaking transfer period and is eager to make an immediate impact at the Emirates Stadium.
In his first interview with the club, Hincapie revealed that a single conversation with head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta was enough to convince him to join Arsenal. “It only took one conversation to make me feel sure about the decision I was taking. I’m over the moon,” he said.
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The defender added that his focus now is on integrating quickly with his teammates and helping deliver success in the 2025/26 campaign. “I want to gel as best as I can with my new teammates and have a good season.”
Hincapie made clear his ambitions are firmly aligned with Arsenal’s. “I always want to win trophies for this club, to make a name for myself, and to leave a mark,” he said.
Mikel Arteta with Piero Hincapie
Piero Hincapie has revealed that he had one conversation with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta before joining Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Ecuador international’s journey to north London has been shaped by resilience and adaptability. He left his hometown of Esmeraldas at just 14 to join Independiente del Valle, moved to Argentina at 18, and a year later signed for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
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Over four years in the Bundesliga, he lifted the league title, DFB-Pokal, and German Supercup. During that spell, he formed a close bond with former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, whose glowing reviews of the club proved influential.
“He spoke wonders about the club and how he felt during his spell here,” Hincapié recalled, revealing that Xhaka recently sent him a message of support.
A versatile defender capable of operating both at centre-back and left-back, Hincapié arrives with significant experience, including 46 international caps for Ecuador and two appearances as captain. Describing himself as a pacey, ball-playing defender, he believes his qualities will complement Arteta’s system. “I think I can bring a lot of courage. I do my job well. I want to show my qualities as I’ve been doing for years,” he said.
The deal, which includes an option to buy for around £45 million, cost Arsenal approximately £4.3 million in loan fees. For Arteta, the signing provides both immediate cover and long-term potential, with Hincapie’s adaptability offering valuable depth across the backline as the Gunners prepare for another demanding season.
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