Trial period passed, it's time for permanent deal: Arsenal opt to keep Hincapie
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.03.26. | 13:25
Bayer Leverkusen loanee at Emirates Stadium turned out to be one of the Gunners' best acquisitions this season, so they allegedly won't hesitate to pay €52 million and sign him long-term
Last September, when Arsenal brought Piero Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, many were surprised. At that point, the centre-back position in the Gunners' ranks had already been filled by Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and the newcomer Cristhian Mosquera, while Ben White and Jurrien Timber could also step in if necessary.
On the other hand, the spot in the left defensive flank was occupied by Riccardo Calafiori and the young prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly, leaving everyone wondering why Mikel Arteta needed the Ecuadorian.
Six months later, Arsenal is reportedly on the verge of bringing Hincapie permanently, and no one is surprised.
The 24-year-old brought vital defensive stability and solidity to the team. Alongside his South American passion and relentlessness, he was everything Arteta was looking for.
Since recovering from the groin injury in October, Hincapie became absolutely irreplaceable on the left side of Arsenal's defence, completely pushing Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly out of the XI.
Since the beginning of November, he has started almost 65% of all the Gunners' games, and that percentage would have been even higher if he hadn't had problems with his shoulder and groin, which forced him to miss five matches.
In mid-December, Hincapie recorded his maiden assist and goal for the North London side in back-to-back Premier League duels against Brentford and Wolverhampton, and his confidence is currently sky-high.
Hence, it's no wonder Arsenal will activate the buy clause and pay €52 million to Leverkusen, signing the defender on a permanent deal.
After all, Arteta has made a fantastic puzzle that tops the Premier League and is still in contention for four trophies. Hincapie is its vital piece, and losing him could prove costly for the team.
Therefore, the conclusion is clear - Piero must stay.