'Big character' and 'intelligent' Hincapie joins Arsenalpublished at 20:13 BST 1 September
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal sporting director Andrea Berto says the club are "delighted" after completing the loan signing of "intelligent" defender Piero Hincapie.
The 23-year-old joins on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen and the Gunners have agreed a fee of £45m (52m euros) for the Ecuador international should they wish to make the deal permanent next summer.
Sporting director Andrea Berta said: "We are delighted to have completed the loan signing for the season of Piero Hincapie.
"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 Piero will continue to grow this season and be an important player for us."
Hincapie is Arsenal's eighth signing of the summer, after Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Eberechi Eze.
The Arsenal boss added: "Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving 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."



























