Deadline day wasn’t without a bit of movement for Arsenal. Most of the business involved outgoings, but the Gunners secured one last incoming on the final day with a season-long loan for Piero Hincapie from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen with an obligation to buy. The move also helps facilitate the exit of defender Jakub Kiwior, who has signed for FC Porto on a season-long loan. Hincapie becomes the eighth signing of Arsenal’s season and will wear the number 5.
In keeping with Mikel Arteta’s tactical preference, Hincapie is a young (23), big-bodied, versatile defender capable of playing both centerback and, of course, left back. During his five years at Leverkusen, he featured over 100 times, including 26 appearances during their invincible title-winning season during the 2023/24 season. He has also earned 46 caps for Ecuador and was a member of their 26-man roster for the 2022 World Cup.
Adding to his versatility is his capability to contribute in the attack. As Aaron stated when Hincapie was initially linked to a move to Arsenal, he is a bit of a Riccardo Calafiori analog. He can overlap or drive into the midfield and create chaos up top. He is a bit on the aggressive side, which may or may not be a worry considering Arsenal’s unfortunate discipline record last season.
It may seem like a bit of overkill to add to an already elite defense, but last season’s overarching issue (and now this season’s) was injuries. Every one of Arsenal’s starting defenders, save Kiwior, suffered an injury over the course of the season, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Magalhaes all eventually undergoing surgeries. Hincapie is another safety valve for the defense and hopefully takes precious minutes off the legs of Gabriel as the season wears on.
With Arsenal in four competitions this year, there is little doubt that he will get plenty of minutes, especially in the Carabao Cup campaign, which begins in September for the Gunners.
Welcome to the Arsenal, Piero. You’re gonna love it here.
