David Ornstein: Arsenal Close To Securing Loan For 46 Cap Defender | OneFootball

Arsenal Secure Agreement for Piero Hincapie Loan

Hincapie Set for Emirates Switch

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal have struck an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie. The deal is structured as a season-long loan with an option to buy for a package worth €52 million, plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Personal terms are already in place for a five-year contract, with the 23-year-old expected to travel to London this weekend to complete his medical. As Ornstein noted: “Hincapie’s acquisition will let fellow left-sided centre-back Jakub Kiwior join Porto in a move worth a guaranteed €25m rising to €27m.”

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Why Arsenal Pushed for Hincapie

Hincapie has long been admired by Mikel Arteta and his recruitment staff, with the Ecuadorian featuring prominently on Arsenal’s shortlist for defensive reinforcements. Despite only signing a new contract at Leverkusen last December until 2029, the defender made clear his preference to leave. Ornstein revealed: “His preference was to join Arsenal and the Premier League club had been ready to push for him.”

Crucially, his versatility across a back three or four makes him a natural fit in Arteta’s evolving system. At Leverkusen, Hincapie was a consistent starter, appearing in 32 of 34 Bundesliga matches last season and nine of ten Champions League games.

Balancing the Squad

The signing has a direct impact on squad management. Jakub Kiwior’s departure to Porto effectively hinges on Hincapie’s arrival, ensuring Arsenal’s depth at centre-back remains intact. With William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Ben White also in the mix, competition will be fierce.

The Ecuador international’s addition continues an ambitious summer that has already seen Arsenal land Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and more. Hincapie’s tearful reaction in Leverkusen’s recent defeat to Hoffenheim only emphasised that a move was on his mind.

What This Means for Arsenal’s Defence

If Arsenal choose to make the deal permanent next summer, Hincapie will arrive with both Bundesliga and Champions League pedigree, plus 46 senior caps for Ecuador. His aggressive defending, mobility, and composure in possession suggest he could be a long-term partner to Saliba or Gabriel.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this deal feels like smart business, but not necessarily a groundbreaking move. Hincapie is a talented player with experience in high-pressure European fixtures, yet Arsenal’s defensive unit is already stacked. Some might question whether he is arriving to start immediately, or simply to add competition and cover.

The financials make sense, especially with the loan-to-buy structure. A €52 million package is steep, but spreading the risk allows Arsenal to assess Hincapie in the Premier League before committing fully. In many ways, this feels like a calculated upgrade on Jakub Kiwior, who never fully convinced in Arteta’s system.

From a supporter’s view, the real intrigue lies in how Arteta balances minutes between his defenders. William Saliba is untouchable, while Gabriel has established himself as a leader at the back. Riccardo Calafiori arrived this summer and is versatile across the left, so Hincapie will need to earn his spot.

The unbothered fan might say: “This is a squad move, nothing more.” Arsenal’s attack and midfield are already reinforced, so adding another high-level defender simply gives Arteta more options in a season where squad rotation could be decisive.

Ultimately, while some fans will be excited about Hincapie’s pedigree, others will view it as a safe, sensible addition rather than a transformative one.