How Andrea Berta and Arsenal really feel about Piero Hincapie deal – ‘could be one of the best…’

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TBR Football have now received exclusive details about how Arsenal feel after completing the signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day.

The Gunners have taken the Ecuador international on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, but the deal does include an obligation for Arsenal to buy the defender permanently for £45m next summer.

Some may view this as a rushed deal after an injury to William Saliba and the deadline day departure of Jakub Kiwior to Porto – but TBR Football understand Andrea Berta worked hard to land Piero Hincapie and feels he could be “special” for Arsenal.

Exclusive: Arsenal think they have made a “top class” addition in Piero Hincapie

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has now been told how Arsenal insiders really feel about signing the Ecuadorian.

Hincapie takes the No.5 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.

Bailey says: “Arsenal are absolutely delighted with the Hincapie deal. Andrea Berta has worked hard on that one, obviously the player wanting to come has played a part.

“Indeed with William Saliba injured, it is looking a masterstroke, but Hincapie’s level really is top class.

“Kiwior was a smashing defender, well liked and more than capable, but Arsenal really feel Hincapie could be special.

“They were a bit disappointed with missing out on (Jorrel) Hato but Hincapie more than makes up for it.

“Hincapie is going to be Arsenal’s last incoming deal of the summer, but it could be one of the best.”

The man born in Esmeraldas can boast 191 senior appearances at club level and 46 games for Ecuador by the age of 23 – with 14 of those club outings coming in the UEFA Champions League.

Hincapie has primarily played as a central defender – making 124 appearances in that position – but is also an option for Mikel Arteta on the left of defence, playing 48 games in that area.

Arsenal expected to tone down spending after Piero Hincapie deal

TBR Football spoke to Adam Williams – Head of Football Finance and Governance Content for GRV Media – about what the Hincapie deal means for Arsenal financially, after a summer in which £257m was spent on new signings.

We understand Arsenal will “probably see some restraint after this window” following the spending spree, with Stan Kroenke unwilling to put more money into the Gunners at this moment in time.

Ultimately, Arteta has been blessed with several quality additions such as Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, so now is the time to deliver a trophy.