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Defenders · CB

Piero Hincapié

Piero Hincapié gives Arsenal a left-sided defender with edge: centre-back, emergency full-back, and the sort of duel-winner who makes a squad feel deeper overnight. He arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with the pedigree of a modern defender already tested in Europe.

Profile
bornEsmeraldas, Ecuador, 2002
signed2025, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen

Before N5

Hincapié's route ran from Ecuador through Independiente del Valle and Talleres before Bayer Leverkusen brought him to Germany. There he became part of a side built on intensity, bravery in possession, and defenders comfortable carrying the ball into midfield. International football with Ecuador only sharpened that maturity.

The Arsenal chapter

The 2025 loan gave Arsenal another left-footed defensive option without pretending the squad needed upheaval. He can cover Gabriel, step across to left-back, and keep the line aggressive when rotation hits. With an option to buy, every appearance is also a live audition.

How he plays

Hincapié is quick into contact and clean coming out of it. He defends wide channels better than most centre-backs, which matters for a team that asks its defenders to cover behind advanced full-backs. On the ball he is direct: carry, punch the pass, reset the angle.

Timeline

Honours

See the full Arsenal honours record for the club-wide list.

Publication record

Squad snapshot checked 24 Aug 2026. This page is a men’s first-team editorial record; availability and selection can change after publication.

Squad sources

Links and source labels are shown exactly as retained in the published record.