Arsenal announce first signing of the summer in £34.5million deal

Arsenal have officially turned Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent stay in a £34.5million deal.

The Ecuador international, who is currently in North America on World Cup duty, has penned a five-year deal to become the Gunners‘ first signing of the summer.

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He proved to be an instant fan favourite and an integral squad player to help Arsenal win a first Premier League title in 22 years.

Arsenal’s bargain deal

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side last term, including 25 in the league as Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the top-flight (27).

The 24-year-old previously helped Leverkusen to the double in the 2023/24 campaign, having joined the Bundesliga club from Argentine outfit Talleres in 2021.

Capped 54 times by his country, he is currently playing at his first World Cup – where Ecuador face Germany in their final group game on Wednesday night as they look to reach the Round of 32.

Hincapie has played every minute of the tournament so far, featuring in his country’s defeat to Ivory Coast and draw with Curacao.

Arsenal appear to have landed something of a bargain in securing Hincapie’s services on a permanent basis, having initially agreed a fee of £45m last September.

A statement on the Gunners’ official website announcing the signing read: “Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Piero back with us.”

As well as being a key cog in Arsenal’s robust backline, Hincapie marked his first season in England with a goal and two assists, finding the net against Wolves in February.

Gunner get ya?

This is likely to be just the start of the north London giants’ summer business as they aim to successfully defend their Premier League title for the first time.

Among the big names linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium is Paris Saint-Germain and France star Bradley Barcola.

The 23-year-old forward’s future with the Champions League winners – who beat Arsenal in last month’s final to retain the trophy – is still up in the air.

And European football expert Andy Brassell recently told talkSPORT he felt Barcola would thrive with the Gunners.

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Midfielder Alex Scott is another name who has been linked with Arsenal of late, having impressed in helping Bournemouth qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is another player on Arsenal’s radar having starred at the World Cup with Morocco so far.

Greece winger Christos Tzolis has also been linked in a potential £34.5m having dazzled at Club Brugge in the last two years.

And Arsenal are currently winning the race to land Leicester starlet Jeremie Monga.

Arteta also remains desperate to secure the services of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, having made the England international his top target.

Gunners find out first opponents of 2026/27

Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August in the first game of the new Premier League campaign.

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Before that, Arteta’s men take on FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield, the traditional season curtain-raiser at Wembley, on Sunday, 16 August.

The Gunners have announced two pre-season friendlies so far, both against LaLiga sides – travelling to Spain to take on Girona before facing Real Betis in Dublin.