Arsenal signs Piero Hincapié permanently after title-winning loan

Arsenal has secured the permanent signing of Piero Hincapié, bringing the Ecuador defender back to the club after a successful loan spell. The 24-year-old center-back was instrumental in Mikel Arteta's side clinching the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season, making 39 appearances across all competitions. He was a key part of a defense that conceded only 27 goals in the league, and he also featured in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Before his move to Arsenal, Hincapié spent several seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, where he made 166 appearances. He was part of the historic 2023/24 team that won the Bundesliga title undefeated. His professional career began at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador before a stint with Talleres de Cordoba in Argentina. His consistent performances in Germany established him as one of the Bundesliga's reliable defenders.

Hincapié has also been a significant figure for the Ecuador national team, earning 54 caps and representing his country in four major tournaments, including the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. The permanent transfer, effective July 1, concludes a loan period that saw Arsenal return to the top of English football.