This post was originally published on this site.
Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Ecuadorian signed for the Gunners on a season-long loan last summer with a conditional obligation to buy.
The clause was expected to be triggered and the club have now officially confirmed a permanent transfer deal.
Hincapie has signed a five-year contract with the north London giants. Leverkusen will be paid £35 million.
The 24-year-old is primarily a central defender, but made most of his appearances for Arsenal as a left-back.
He got the nod over Riccardo Calafiori in the role during the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Hincapie was brilliant throughout the season and Arsenal will want more of the same from him in his second campaign.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in signing him, but Arsenal are unlikely to entertain offers.
Hincapie is deemed indipensable and won’t be leaving at any price. The club have a similar stance on Riccardo Calafiori.
