Arsenal have completed their first summer signing by exercising the option to make Piero Hincapie's loan move from Bayer Leverkusen a permanent deal, worth around £35 million. The Ecuador international joined the Gunners during the closing stages of last year's summer transfer window and has now committed his future to the Premier League champions despite reported interest from Real Madrid.
Hincapie's Impact at Arsenal
Despite competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapie ended his maiden campaign in English football as Arsenal's first-choice left-back. The 24-year-old started crucial games in the run-in against the likes of Manchester City and Burnley, while he kept Calafiori on the bench for the entirety of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Official Statement and Future
'We are delighted to have activated the option to make Piero Hincapie's transfer to us permanent from July 1,' read a statement on Arsenal's official website. 'Piero spent last season on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was an integral part of our Premier League-winning campaign.' Real Madrid had reportedly shown an interest in the versatile defender, but Hincapie has chosen to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
