What could Piero Hincapie bring to Arsenal?

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After finishing runner-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, this summer’s transfer window felt absolutely pivotal for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side needed to make a statement if they were to finally get over the line and claim the title.

A striker was the top priority, and the Gunners delivered by securing the prolific Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon for £65 million after his astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances across two seasons in Portugal.

For supporters who track the latest games ahead of kick-off and monitor football betting markets, this transfer underlined Arsenal’s intent.

Since then, everything else has felt like a bonus. Martin Zubimendi has been drafted in to reinforce the midfield following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Christian Nørgaard and Noni Madueke add depth to the centre of the park and the wing.

Kai Havertz’s knee setback prompted Arsenal to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze, sealing a £68m deal that left their north London rivals reeling after the player personally phoned Arteta to encourage the raid.

And now, to add further sting for Spurs fans, the Gunners look set to pip them again—this time to Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, whose £52m release clause Arsenal are prepared to trigger.

So, what could the 23-year-old Ecuadorian defender bring to Arsenal?

Experience

Despite his age, Hincapie already boasts a wealth of top-level experience. Since arriving at Leverkusen in 2021 as a teenager, he has made 166 appearances for the Bundesliga club. Under Xabi Alonso, he became a cornerstone of the side that went unbeaten in their Bundesliga-winning campaign and added the German Cup to their trophy cabinet.

Internationally, he is just as accomplished: 46 senior caps for Ecuador, two Copa América appearances, the 2022 World Cup, and even the honour of captaining his country. That pedigree means he would arrive at the Emirates already battle-tested on the biggest stages.

Versatility

Arteta has made no secret of his desire for adaptable defenders, and Hincapie fits that mould perfectly. Primarily a centre-back, he is equally capable of slotting in at left-back, offering Arsenal valuable depth in two key positions.

More than just a stopper, he is composed on the ball and comfortable progressing play under pressure, often drawing comparisons to France’s Lucas Hernández, a Champions League and World Cup winner.

That mix of defensive solidity and technical quality would allow Arsenal to maintain their fluid, possession-driven style without compromising stability at the back.

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With William Saliba and Gabriel already forming one of the Premier League’s most formidable partnerships, Hincapie would not only provide cover but also competition. His arrival could allow Arteta greater tactical flexibility—whether that’s rotating to protect against injuries, shifting to a back three, or even using Hincapie’s left-sided profile to unlock different build-up patterns.

For a squad intent on ending its title drought and pushing deep into the Champions League, those marginal gains could prove decisive.

At £52m, Hincapie would represent yet another bold statement of intent from Arsenal. More than just a defensive reinforcement, he could be the signing that finally turns the Gunners’ near misses into silverware.

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