Arsenal sign Hincapie on loan with potential permanent move

Arsenal confirmed on deadline day that they have signed Ecuador international Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on a seasonlong loan that includes a mechanism for a permanent transfer next summer, completing what the club described as their eighth signing of a busy window. The move was finalised on Monday after Hincapie travelled to London, underwent medical checks and completed paperwork, although reports disagreed on whether the long-term commitment is an obligation or an option to buy and on the precise fee involved.

The 23-year-old centreback, who can also operate at leftback, joins Arsenal after four seasons in Germany in which he made 166 appearances for Leverkusen and was part of the side that won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24. Arsenal have assigned him the No 5 shirt and expect him to link up with the squad once the international break ends, with a possible debut at the Emirates against Nottingham Forest on September 13.

Manager Mikel Arteta welcomed Hincapie on the club website, saying the player brings "a real physical presence" and "versatility and tactical flexibility" that will strengthen Arsenal's defensive options. Leverkusen also released a...