ARSENAL welcomed “the final piece of the puzzle” in Piero Hincapie on deadline day to complete their record-breaking summer of incomings.
The Gunners announced late last night the season-long loan of Bayer Leverkusen defender Hincapie with a view to buying him permanently for £45m next summer.
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It was a move that saw Jakub Kiwior head for the exit door – the Polish centre back heading to Porto on loan having been deemed surplus to requirements.
Hincapie’s arrival capped off a stunning window with EIGHT new faces for over £250m – a club record – including striker Viktor Gyokeres, winger Eberechi Eze and midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
A pick-me-up following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Prem title rivals Liverpool, Arteta now has his most complete squad to date, with the 23-year-old Ecuador international described on the club’s social media page as “the final piece of the puzzle”.
Hincapie – who has been given the No.5 – will meet up with his new teammates after the international break, and could be thrown in straight away should William Saliba’s ankle injury that saw him hobble off at Anfield keep him out for longer than anticipated.
Arteta said: “Piero has a real physical presence.
“His versatility and tactical flexibility gives us strong added defensive options.
“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.”
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Hincapie was previously a target for Tottenham, making more than 100 appearances for Leverkusen since 2021 and played a key role in their Bundesliga title triumph in 2024 under Xabi Alonso.
Sporting director Andrea Berta – who has been the mastermind behind Arsenal’s impressive summer haul – added: said: “At only 23, Piero already has significant experience, both in the Bundesliga and at international level.
“He is an intelligent defender with real strength and versatility.
“His performances in recent years for both club and country have been of a consistent high quality.
“And we are confident he will continue to grow and be an important player for us.”
He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.”
Mikel Arteta on Piero Hincapie
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Kiwior’s departure includes an option to make it permanent at Porto for around £22.5m.
Other deadline day Arsenal departures included two fringe players heading to Hamburg – Albert Sambi Lokonga on a permanent move and Fabio Vieira on a season-long loan with the option to extend that stay for around £20m.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
However, winger Reiss Nelson – linked with a loan move to Brentford – and defender Oleksandr Zinchenko appear set to stay in North London despite seeking moves elsewhere this summer.
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