Arsenal have completed the loan signing of Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen for 2025/26 season.
Gatekeepers News reports that Hincapie has been a key player for Leverkusen since arriving in 2021, making over 100 appearances and helping the German side win the Bundesliga title in 2023/24.
The footballer will wear the number 5 shirt and will join his new teammates after finishing international duty with Ecuador.
Hincapie started his football journey in Ecuador with Independiente del Valle, making his senior debut at just 17. While there, he captained Ecuador’s under-17 team and lifted the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2020.
He then moved to Argentina in the same year, where his strong performances for Primera División side Talleres earned him a move to Leverkusen.
At international level, Hincapie has already played 46 times for Ecuador and represented his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director Andrea Berta praised the signing. He said, “We are delighted to have completed the loan signing for the season of Piero Hincapie.”
“At only 23, Piero already has significant experience, both in the Bundesliga and at international level. He is an intelligent defender with real strength and versatility.”
“His performances in recent years for both club and country have been of a consistent high quality, and we are confident Piero will continue to grow this season and be an important player for us.”
Manager Mikel Arteta also welcomed the new addition. He said, “We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club. Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options.”
“He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season. We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal.”
