The Premier League champions have made their first summer signing permanent, securing the future of versatile defender Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian international had spent the previous season on loan from Bayer Leverkusen and impressed enough to warrant a £35million transfer fee.
Arsenal confirmed they have activated Hincapie's option to make his transfer permanent from July 1, with the player committing to the club until 2031. The news comes as a significant boost to Mikel Arteta's squad, who are looking to build on their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Hincapie made 39 appearances for Arsenal last season, playing a crucial role in their title-winning campaign and the final of the Champions League. The defender's versatility has made him a valuable asset to the team, capable of being deployed at centre-half or left-back.
Despite interest from Real Madrid, Hincapie has committed his future to Arsenal, with the club reluctant to sell and the Spanish giants forced to look elsewhere for a suitable replacement. The Gunners had spent in excess of £250m on seven players last year, but Hincapie's arrival is seen as a shrewd long-term investment.
Hincapie's current focus is on helping Ecuador progress in the World Cup, where he has already played in two games, including a goalless draw with Curacao on Sunday. The South Americans face Germany on Thursday in a bid to reach the knockout stages.
