Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing their eighth signing of the summer, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie now in London to seal his move.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international has been on the Gunners’ radar for months, and Mikel Arteta is set to finally get his man just hours before the transfer window closes.
The deal is structured as an initial loan with a buy option worth around €52 million ($56m).
According to Fabrizio Romano, documents are already being exchanged between the clubs, and the announcement is expected later today. For Arsenal fans, it’s another late twist in a window that has already brought plenty of drama — and big spending.
🔴⚪️ Arsenal and Bayer are now exchanging documents for Piero Hincapié deal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
All done and set to be announced today.
Hincapié, already in London. pic.twitter.com/IQEqUNzsLf
Hincapie’s arrival comes as Jakub Kiwior prepares to head to Porto on loan, with an obligation to buy. The move highlights Arsenal’s push for more depth in defense after last season’s injury struggles that cost them in the title race.
Arteta has been vocal about his desire for extra cover, and Hincapie fits the bill as a versatile left-sided defender.
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When can Piero Hincapie make his Arsenal debut?
The Ecuadorian is expected to undergo his medical today before signing his contract. Once official, he will link up with the squad after the international break.
His likely debut could come against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on September 13.
Hincapie’s addition raises questions about how Arteta will use him. While naturally a center-back, he can also slot in at left-back.
That flexibility could prove crucial in a long season where every tactical tweak matters. Fans might be joking that Arsenal have signed “another Gabriel,” but the bigger point is Arteta will have one more option to rotate.
With exits for Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Reiss Nelson still in the works, Arsenal’s deadline day looks as busy as a north London derby midfield.
Hincapie, though, is the headline arrival — one that could give the Gunners’ backline a fresh edge.
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