Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of Ecuador international Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, activating a £45 million purchase option following the defender's loan stint last season.

The Gunners announced the deal on their official website on Thursday, confirming that the transfer will be permanent from July 1, pending the completion of regulatory processes.

A key figure in Arsenal's title triumph

Hincapie proved indispensable during his debut campaign in north London, making 39 appearances across all competitions as Arsenal secured the Premier League title. The 24-year-old was a cornerstone of a defensive unit that has now conceded the fewest goals across the last three Premier League seasons.

His debut for the club came in a 2-0 Champions League victory away to Athletic Club in September 2025, and he scored his sole goal of the season in a draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in February — the same month he claimed the Arsenal Player of the Month award. He won that accolade again in April.

A career built across three continents

Hincapie began his professional career at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, where he rose through the youth ranks and won the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2020. Later that year, he moved to Argentine side Talleres, registering 22 appearances in his first season.

In August 2021, Hincapie signed for Bayer Leverkusen, going on to make 166 appearances across four seasons in the Bundesliga. Among his career highlights was helping Leverkusen claim their historic first Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign — a season in which they went the entire domestic season unbeaten.

Ecuador's ever-present at the World Cup

A former captain of Ecuador's under-17 side, Hincapie has earned 54 senior international caps and represented his country at four major tournaments, including the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

Arsenal's official statement closed with a warm welcome: