Arsenal trigger £34.5m buy option for Piero Hincapie as Ecuador defender signs until 2031 amid World Cup

The deal

Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that they have taken up the option to sign Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie permanently, with a reported fee of £34.5 million (Irish Independent) or £45 million (BBC) in a clause set at 52 million euros. The 24-year-old joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and the conditions for the purchase option were met. The permanent transfer takes effect from 1 July, although Arsenal will list him officially from Wednesday. Hincapie has agreed a long-term contract, understood to run until 2031.

Last season's contribution

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side last term, alternating at left back with Riccardo Calafiori. He became a central piece of a defence that recorded the fewest goals conceded in three league seasons, contributing a goal and two assists. Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final, while Hincapie was voted player of the month by the club in February and April. Between 2021 and 2025 he had played 116 Bundesliga games for Leverkusen.

World Cup backdrop

The official confirmation comes as Hincapie prepares for Ecuador's crucial group match against Germany on Thursday. He played the full 90 minutes in the opening 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and the goalless draw with Curacao. A win over Germany would keep the South Americans' hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. The 54-cap international has been a constant in Ecuador's backline throughout the tournament.

First piece of a title defence

Arsenal spent more than £250 million on seven players last summer, and Hincapie becomes their first signing ahead of the 2026-27 season. Real Madrid had been linked with a move for the centre-back, but the purchase option gave Arsenal full control. The London club are now turning attention to defending their domestic crown and building on a campaign that ended in the Champions League final.

“The conditions for the purchase option were met and Hincapie will continue his career with the London club in the Premier League in the coming years.”