Arsenal: Piero Hincapie set for permanent transfer as Gunners confirm retained list for 2026/27 season | OneFootball

Gunners had been expected to sign defender for £45m this summer

Arsenal have revealed their retained list for the 2026-27 season, hinting at a permanent transfer for Piero Hincapie.

Hincapie joined the Gunners on loan from Bayer Leverkusen during last summer’s transfer window, and established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back, even starting the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal had always been expected to trigger their option to sign Hincapie for £45million this summer and it would appear they have decided to do just that.

The Gunners, on Thursday afternoon, published a list of the players who will be leaving the club on June 30 and Hincapie’s name was not included.

However, this is not the case with Hincapie this year which may suggest an annoucment regarding a permanent transfer is not too far away.

Here to stay: Piero Hincapie

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In total, 15 players across Arsenal’s senior and youth teams will be leaving the club at the end of this month when their contracts expire.

This includes youngster Josh Nichols, who is set to join Croatian side NK Kustosija, after penning an emotional farewell letter and Arsenal Women legends Katie McCabe, who has agreed a move to Chelsea, and Beth Mead.

Arsenal have also announced that they remain in talks with Caitlin Foord and two academy players.

A statement reads: “Ahead of the official Premier League announcement of all men’s players who will be out of contract at their current clubs on June 30, 2026, we are taking this opportunity to say thank you to the following players who will be leaving us when their contracts are completed at the end of the month.

“This includes men’s players and scholars who have represented the club at first-team, under-21 and under-18 levels, as well as some of our women’s squad, whom we have previously announced will be departing.

“Players are presented in alphabetical order:

Departing: Katie McCabe

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“In addition, please note that the following players’ contracts also expire on June 30, 2026. Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course.

“We thank all the players leaving us for their contributions to the club. You will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish you all the best of health and happiness in your futures.

“Any further developments regarding players extending their contracts, joining/re-joining, or leaving us will be officially communicated once confirmed.”