LONDON, Sept 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Arsenal signed Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen on Monday.

Hincapie can make a permanent move to Arsenal for œ45 million ($60 million) at the end of the current campaign.

The 23-year-old made more than 100 appearances for Leverkusen after joining the German club in 2021 and played a key role in their Bundesliga title victory in 2023-24.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta believes Hincapie will provide valuable versatility across his back four.

"We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club. He has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options," Arteta said.

"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 is Arteta's eighth signing since the end of last season following the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Eberechi Eze.

Hincapie has made 46 appearances for Ecuador, featuring in their squad at the 2022 World Cup and Copa America tournaments in 2021 and 2024.

He has chosen to wear the number five shirt at Arsenal and will join up with his new club after returning from international duty with Ecuador.