Arsenal have wasted little time strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad after ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
The Gunners also came within touching distance of European glory before falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Those achievements have not changed the club’s ambitions. Arteta wants Arsenal to remain at the top of English football while taking the final step in Europe.
The North London club spent more than £250 million on new players last year, and further investment was always expected before the start of the new campaign.
Arsenal have now made the first move of the transfer window by securing the future of a player who played a crucial role throughout their title-winning season.
Arsenal have officially announced the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £34.5 million after activating the clause included in last summer’s loan agreement.
The Ecuador international featured 39 times in all competitions during the previous campaign. His consistent displays helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
Hincapie has signed a contract until 2031, making him Arsenal’s first arrival of the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old is currently representing Ecuador at the World Cup. He has played in both group matches and will again feature against Germany.
Once the tournament finishes, Hincapie will return to North London and continue competing for a regular place under Arteta.
The Arsenal boss also trusted Hincapie to start the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
With Hincapie’s future now resolved, Arsenal have officially completed the first piece of business in what promises to be another busy summer at the Emirates Stadium.
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