Arsenal are set to complete the permanent signing of Piero Hincapié in June, with the transfer from Bayer Leverkusen never considered in doubt.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official x handle, the deal was intentionally structured as an initial loan due to Financial Fair Play considerations, but it was always expected to become a permanent transfer.
Arsenal will turn Piero Hincapié deal into permanent in June, never in doubt. Deal was structured on initial loan for FFP reasons but always seen as permanent, similar to Raya deal in the past. Fee to Bayer Leverkusen from #AFC: €52m plus 10% sell-on clause.
The final agreement will see Arsenal pay €52 million for the defender, with Leverkusen also securing a 10 percent sell-on clause as part of the arrangement.
Softfootball had earlier reported that Hincapié joined Mikel Arteta’s squad during the season as Arsenal looked to strengthen their defensive depth while continuing to plan for the long term. His arrival has provided additional versatility across the back line, with the Ecuadorian capable of operating both at centre-back and left-back.
New details surrounding the transfer have now clarified why the move was initially completed as a loan. The structure allowed Arsenal to balance their financial commitments within Financial Fair Play regulations before formally activating the permanent agreement later.
The strategy mirrors a similar approach used in the signing of David Raya, whose transfer to Arsenal also began as a loan before becoming a permanent move. Such arrangements have increasingly become part of the club’s broader recruitment model under Arteta and the current sporting structure.
Hincapié’s technical quality, composure in possession and tactical flexibility fit the profile Arsenal have targeted in recent seasons. The club has prioritised players capable of adapting to Arteta’s positional system, particularly those entering the prime years of their careers.
Completing the permanent acquisition of the Ecuador international would represent another important step in Arsenal’s long-term squad development strategy as they continue building a team capable of competing for major honours domestically and in Europe.
The update comes just hours after Arsenal secured a 2–1 victory over Mansfield Town to progress to the next round of the FA Cup. The opening goal arrived in the 41st minute when Noni Madueke finished a move assisted by Gabriel Martinelli. The strike carried additional significance as it marked Arsenal’s 100th goal of the season across all competitions.
