Piero Hincapie is set to join Arsenal on a permanent transfer at the end of this season | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is set to join Arsenal on a permanent transfer at the end of this season, according to the Sun.

The 24-year-old moved to the Emirates Stadium club last summer on a season-long loan with an option to buy and has been a key player for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners agreed a fee of £45 million for the Ecuador international, and they are making the move permanent. His loan switch was purely for accounting purposes.

They agreed a similar deal for David Raya in 2024, following an initial season-long loan from Brentford in 2023.

Hincapie is set to become Arsenal’s first transfer this summer, and the deal is expected to be made official once the window opens.

The Colombian has impressed since joining the Gunners, making 27 appearances across all competitions. He has played as a centre-back and left-back.

Hincapie was excellent again last night as Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners at Brighton & Hove Albion to further consolidate their position at the top of the table.

The Gunners are seven points clear at the top of the table after 30 games.

Manchester City have a game in hand, but Arsenal will fancy their chances of finally getting over the line in the coming weeks.

The Gunners have also received a boost, as Hincapie can play against his parent club in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Parent clubs cannot insert clauses preventing a loan player from featuring against them in European competitions due to UEFA rules, which is good news for Arsenal.