Arsenal have confirmed they have activated their option to sign Piero Hincapié on a permanent deal, bringing the Ecuador international to the Emirates on a full-time basis. It might not be the kind of transfer that sends the internet into complete meltdown, but for anyone who has watched Hincapié play, this is a genuinely smart bit of business from the Gunners.
The 22-year-old left-back made his name at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was a key part of the side that won the Bundesliga unbeaten under Xabi Alonso. That alone tells you something. You do not play regularly for that team without being a proper footballer, and Hincapié more than held his own throughout that historic campaign. He is athletic, composed on the ball, and has that left-footed solidity that any top side needs at the back.
For Arsenal, this addresses a real need. Oleksandr Zinchenko is a fine player but has had his injury issues, and having genuine competition and cover at left-back is something Arteta has needed to sort for a while now. Hincapié is not just cover either, he is the kind of player who could genuinely push for a starting spot and that is exactly the level of quality you want at a club chasing Premier League titles and deep European runs.
Now, as a Manchester United fan it is never exactly fun to watch Arsenal strengthen sensibly, but credit where it is due. This is the sort of signing that does not grab headlines for a week but ends up being one of those deals people look back on in two years and say yes, that was the moment the squad really clicked into place. Hincapié is young, hungry, and has already proven himself at the highest level of European football.
Arteta clearly knows what he wants and is building methodically. Annoying as that is to admit, Arsenal are doing things the right way. Hincapié looks like a very good fit.
Let me know your thoughts.