Arsenal’s summer transfer activity shows no signs of slowing down, with the Gunners now strongly linked to Bayer Leverkusen’s Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié. At just 23, Hincapié has already established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, attracting attention from top Premier League clubs. But who is he, and why are Arsenal so keen to bring him to North London?
Rising Through the Ranks
Born on January 9, 2002, in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Piero Martín Hincapié Reyna began his football journey in his homeland before making a name for himself with Independiente del Valle. His early promise earned him a move to Talleres in Argentina in 2020, where he quickly adapted to a higher level of competition.
His breakthrough came in 2021 when he joined Bayer Leverkusen. Since then, Hincapié has developed into a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s side, amassing over 100 appearances and playing a vital role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 Bundesliga title win—the first in the club’s history.
International Pedigree
Hincapié’s rise has also been mirrored on the international stage. Having captained Ecuador at youth levels, he broke into the senior national team in 2021 and has since become a mainstay in their back line. He has already featured in a World Cup (2022) and a Copa América (2024), accumulating over 40 senior caps. His composure, aggression, and positional intelligence have made him one of South America’s brightest exports.
"He is a very solid, very good option" 💪
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 27, 2025
Julien Laurens thinks that Piero Hincapie would be a good signing for Arsenal 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GBUu6FXq6r
Style of Play
At 1.84m tall, Hincapié combines physical presence with technical ability. Comfortable as a centre-back or left-back, he is praised for his pace, tackling, and ability to play out from the back—qualities highly valued by Mikel Arteta. His versatility would allow Arsenal to rotate seamlessly between defensive systems while adding depth to a squad that has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
Arsenal’s Pursuit
Reports suggest Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Hincapié, but negotiations with Leverkusen remain the biggest obstacle. The Ecuadorian defender is tied to a long-term contract until 2029, with a hefty €60 million release clause. Leverkusen are reluctant to sell unless the clause is met, though Hincapié is understood to be open to a Premier League switch.
To fund the move, Arsenal are working on player sales, with Jakub Kiwior close to joining Porto and other fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, and Sambi Lokonga also tipped to depart.
At just 23, Piero Hincapié represents exactly the kind of signing Arsenal have targeted under Mikel Arteta—young, versatile, and already experienced at the highest levels of European and international football. His aggressive yet composed defending could prove a long-term solution in Arsenal’s back line, and his ambition to test himself in England makes the Emirates a likely destination.
