Arsenal strike agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapie transfer as loan with option deal worth €52m is reached

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v TSG Hoffenheim - Bundesliga

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Piero Hincapie on a season-long loan with a €52m (£45m/$61m) option-to-buy clause.

WHAT HAPPENED?

David Ornstein reports the 23-year-old defender will travel to London for a medical this weekend. Once the permanent transfer is completed, Hincapie will be signed to a five-year contract with the Gunners. Bayer Leverkusen will hold a 10% sell-on clause. 

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal reach agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Piero Hincapie. Season-long loan from #B04 + buy obligation. Package worth €52m & 10% sell-on. 5yr deal upon permanent transfer. Set to travel this weekend for #AFC medical @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/PgboU46oVT

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v TSG Hoffenheim - Bundesliga

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal have pursued a deal for the Ecuadorian for the past few weeks after the player was initially linked with their north London rivals Tottenham. The deal adds even more depth to a sturdy Arsenal back line, as Hincapie can fill in at both centre and left-back.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hincapie joined Bayer Leverkusen from CA Telleres in 2021 for €13m. The Ecuadorian has progressed into a key player for Die Werkself, making 166 appearances over the past four seasons.

Arsenal v Leeds United - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR HINCAPIE?

The highly-rated defender will have to fight hard for game time, with Gabriel Magalhaes dominating the left centre-back spot in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup, while Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both performed admirably at left-back. Even if immediate game time is hard to come by, the long-term contract following Hincapie's permanent transfer suggests the 23-year-old is part of the club's plans well beyond this season.