Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after activating the option in his loan agreement.
The Gunners confirmed that the deal will officially take effect from July 1, ending months of speculation over the player’s future.
Hincapie joined Arsenal during the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window and quickly forced his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Despite competition from academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer arrival Riccardo Calafiori, the 24-year-old finished his first season in England as Arsenal’s preferred left-back.
Arsenal confirm permanent deal
Announcing the move on their website, Arsenal said they were delighted to make Hincapie’s transfer permanent.
“We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie’s transfer to us permanent from July 1,” the club said.
The statement added: “Piero spent last season on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was an integral part of our Premier League-winning campaign.”
The permanent move had long been expected after the defender impressed during Arsenal’s successful Premier League title charge.
Hincapie played key role in Arsenal’s season
Hincapie featured prominently during the final stretch of the campaign, starting key matches against Manchester City and Burnley.
He was also preferred to Calafiori in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, underlining his growing importance to the team.
The Ecuador international made 39 appearances in all competitions last season as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a league title and reached the Champions League final.
Real Madrid links fade as Arsenal move fast
Reports had linked Hincapie with Real Madrid, but the defender has now committed his future to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are understood to have paid about £35m to secure him on a long-term contract reportedly running until 2031.
The deal makes Hincapie Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
It also comes after the club spent more than £250m on seven players during the previous campaign.
Hincapie on World Cup duty
Hincapie is currently with the Ecuador national team at the World Cup.
He featured in Ecuador’s 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and their goalless draw against Curaçao.
The defender is also expected to play when Ecuador face Germany in their final group match.
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