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Arsenal have activated the purchase clause in Piero Hincapié's loan agreement, securing the versatile defender on a five-year deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old became a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign, having begun the season as backup to Riccardo Calafiori at left back. The Ecuadorian, currently on international duty at the 2026 World Cup, eventually cemented himself as the first-choice option, with Mikel Arteta relying on him to guide the Gunners to their first league title in 22 years.
Sky Sports News reports the fee to make Hincapié's move to north London permanent is approximately $45.5 million (£34.5 million), and he will be Arsenal's first piece of summer business once the transfer is officially confirmed on July 1.
Why Arsenal Have Signed Hincapié Permanently
It didn't take long for Hincapié to leave a mark on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard labelled him a "warrior" after just his second appearance, with his versatility to operate as a centre-back and as an inverted full-back—stepping into central midfield—proving central to the club's decision to bring him over from Germany.
"He's quality on the ball—he's a player who is super keen," Arteta said in October. "He can play inside, he can play in wide positions, he's done it... [when he's] physically at his best, he's going to raise the level."
The news of Hincapié's permanent stay could have significant implications for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. A natural central midfielder developed through the academy, he was introduced to first-team football in a strikingly similar fashion to Bukayo Saka—stepping in at left back to fill a gap when the Gunners needed cover.
Lewis-Skelly impressed so much that he made the spot his own, even earning a call-up to the England squad at just 18, but he eventually lost his place as Calafiori returned to full fitness and competition with Hincapié intensified.
He subsequently shifted back to central midfield, including a starting role in the Champions League final, and that may well be his primary position going forward—provided the exit speculation that surfaced in January amounts to nothing more than rumour.
Arsenal Enter Talks With Leicester Over Monga
In other news, Arsenal are in active discussions with Leicester City regarding a move for promising winger Jeremy Monga, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
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Monga is the third-youngest player to feature in Premier League history, behind Arsenal pair Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri, and the 16-year-old has attracted strong interest from several top clubs—among them Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea.
He was a regular presence off Leicester's bench last season, making 30 substitute appearances across 37 total outings, but with the Foxes now competing in League One following a catastrophic relegation, he is widely expected to seek a move elsewhere.