Gunners Bolster Defence with Versatile Ecuadorian International, Beating Rivals to His Signature
Arsenal have moved swiftly to add a winning pedigree to their backline, announcing the season-long loan signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié.
The deal, confirmed by the BBC, includes an option for the Gunners to make the move permanent next summer for a fee of £45 million, capping what has been a prolific transfer window for the North London club.
The 23-year-old Ecuadorian international arrives fresh from a dream season in Germany, where he was a cornerstone of the Leverkusen squad that sensationally broke Bayern Munich’s stranglehold to win the Bundesliga and German Cup double under manager Xabi Alonso.
Manager Mikel Arteta was quick to express his delight, highlighting the defender’s character and versatility. “Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options,” Arteta said. “He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta echoed the sentiment, praising Hincapié’s significant experience at both club and international level despite his young age. “He is an intelligent defender with real strength and versatility,” Berta stated. “We are confident Piero will continue to grow this season and be an important player for us.”
The signing is seen as a significant coup, with Hincapié having also been a reported target for Arsenal’s fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. His choice to move to the Emirates follows a pattern this summer, mirroring the decision of fellow target Eberechi Eze.
The announcement comes on the heels of a mixed weekend for the Gunners, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against champions Liverpool after opening the season with victories over Manchester United and Leeds United.
Hincapié will join up with his new teammates following the international break and could be in line to make his debut when Arsenal return to Premier League action at home against Nottingham Forest on September 13.
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