Piero Hincapie: Mikel Arteta hints at role for new Arsenal signing as loan deal confirmed | OneFootball

Eighth summer signing will provide extra cover at centre-back as Gunners wait on William Saliba injury

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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Piero Hincapie on transfer Deadline Day, with Mikel Arteta excited by the “physical presence” the defender will bring to the Gunners.

Leverkusen have announced how the deal will become permanent if certain conditions are met - and all parties expect Hincapie to join Arsenal on a long-term contract next summer.

The 23-year-old Ecuador defender will provide further cover at centre-back following the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera for an initial £13m last month, with Arsenal waiting to discover the full extent of the injury suffered by William Saliba at Liverpool on Sunday.

LIVE BLOG: Latest transfer news and rumours on Deadline Day!

Hincapie made 166 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen after joining them in 2021 and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2023-24.

He is the eighth signing of the summer for Arsenal after Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mosquera and Eberechi Eze.

"We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club,” said Arsenal manager Arteta.

“Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options. He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.

“We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal.”

Hincapie’s move was part of a busy deadline day for Arsenal.

Albert Sambi Lokonga sealed a permanent move to Hamburg, who also signed Fabio Vieira on loan.

Jakub Kiwior has completed his season-long loan switch to Porto, Reiss Nelson is expected to join Brentford but it would appear that Oleksandr Zinchenko is staying put despite links to Marseille.