Arsenal are planning to make Piero Hincapie’s loan deal from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in the summer of 2026. The Gunners have a buy option fixed for €52million (£45m, $61m) for the 24-year-old defender.
Hincapie’s Impressive Loan Spell Leads to Permanent Move
Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Hincapie. Arsenal are preparing to keep him on a permanent deal, according to reports from February 2026.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that Hincapie will be the first signing for Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta in the summer of 2026. Romano said that it was always planned like this.
Hincapie has already signed a five-year contract with Arsenal. He already feels like an Arsenal player on a permanent transfer, according to Romano.
Financial Fair Play and the Structure of the Deal
Bayer Leverkusen will receive a total package of €52million for Hincapie. They will also keep a 10% sell-on clause for Piero Hincapie.
Everything will be formally announced at the very end of the season. This is due to a gentleman’s agreement between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal regarding Financial Fair Play.
Hincapie’s Versatility and Impact on the Squad
Hincapie can operate as a central defender or as a left-back. He has played 14 times as a left-back for Arsenal this season.
Arsenal also have Riccardo Calafiori as another option at left-back. Calafiori has made 22 appearances in that role this season.
Lewis-Skelly’s Future in Doubt
TEAMtalk has reported that Arsenal will not sell Calafiori in the summer transfer window. This is potentially bad news for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Lewis-Skelly has broken into the Arsenal first team after coming through the academy. He is a Hale End graduate.
The 19-year-old has played 14 times in the Premier League this season, but only one of those appearances was as a starter. There are doubts about the future of Myles Lewis-Skelly, according to The Times.