Fabrizio Romano has backed TEAMtalk’s revelation last month that Arsenal have a deal in place to make Piero Hincapie the first signing of the summer transfer window, with the transfer guru also outlining the role that Tottenham Hotspur played in the Gunners’ successful quest.
Arsenal have a buy option fixed for €52 million at the end of the season, and sources revealed that the Premier League club are ready to trigger it.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now backed the story and has outlined the details of the deal.
Romano has also noted how Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the 24-year-old Ecuador international defender last summer spurred Arsenal to get a deal done for him.
Hincapie, who can operate as a centre-back and as a left-back, has made 17 starts in the Premier League and two starts in the Champions League for Arsenal so far this season.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Piero Hincapie permanent deal
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Yes, Piero Hincapie will be the first signing for Arsenal in summer 2026. It was always planned like this. If you remember with David Raya and Brentford, Arsenal did something similar a few years ago. So, signed a player on loan with a buy-out option clause but was always going to be a permanent transfer in the following summer, that’s what’s going to happen also with Piero Hincapie.”
“There is already everything signed between Hincapie and Arsenal in terms of contract, a five-year deal. So, it’s already signed and completed. Piero Hincapie already feels as an Arsenal player on a permanent transfer. Bayer Leverkusen will receive a total package of €52 million and Bayer Leverkusen will also keep a 10% sell-on clause for Piero Hincapie. So, this is the agreement.”
Tottenham interest in Piero Hincapie forced Arsenal to act quickly
“Everything will be formally announced at the very end of the season because obviously, in terms of Financial Fair Play, this was a gentleman’s agreement between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal. But one of the crucial points in this negotiation also for Arsenal to anticipate Tottenham in August 2025 when Arsenal decided to go for Piero Hincapie was to guarantee a permanent transfer.”
“Otherwise, Tottenham were prepared to pay and get the player immediately. Arsenal guaranteed a permanent transfer. Arsenal always trusted Piero Hincapie. He’s doing very well. He can play as centre-back, left-back. Arteta is very happy, so there is no doubt and they are going to continue together.”
Hincapie already considers himself Arsenal player
The structure of the deal mirrors Arsenal’s approach with David Raya several years ago. The loan-to-buy arrangement allows Arsenal to spread the financial commitment across multiple accounting periods while securing the player’s long-term future. Hincapie has already signed a five-year contract with Arsenal, making the transfer a formality once the season concludes.
Bayer Leverkusen will benefit from both the €52 million fee and a 10 percent sell-on clause if Arsenal eventually sell Hincapie. The German club have structured the deal cleverly to maximize their return while allowing Arsenal flexibility with Financial Fair Play regulations. Tottenham’s willingness to pay immediately last summer forced Arsenal’s hand, but the Gunners prevailed by offering Leverkusen the certainty of a permanent transfer rather than just a loan option.
