Arsenal has officially secured the permanent signing of Hincapie following a successful season on loan from Leverkusen

Premier League champions Arsenal announced on Thursday that they have exercised their option to permanently sign defender Piero Hincapie, who joined the club on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Media reports indicated that Arsenal has secured the signing of the 24-year-old Ecuador international for £34.5 million ($45.5 million), along with additional add-ons, on a five-year contract.

Hincapie, currently participating in the World Cup, made 25 league appearances last season as Arsenal secured the English top-flight title for the first time in 22 years.

He also played a significant role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign in 2023-24, during which they won the German league without losing a match.

Hincapie, who began in Ecuador’s initial two Group E matches, is anticipated to compete against Germany later on Thursday.