Arsenal set to sign 24yo on permanent deal

Arsenal have made the decision to land defender Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis from Bayer Leverkusen, according to Teamtalk.

The Gunners signed the Ecuadorian on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer with a conditional obligation to buy for £48 million.

Hincapie had a slow start to his Gunners career as a substitute. The 24-year-old has become a regular starter on the left side of defence in recent months.

It is now claimed that the north London giants have already made a transfer decision on Hincapie ahead of the summer transfer window.

The hierarchy have been convinced by his performances this campaign and will trigger the clause to sign him permanently ahead of next season.

Hincapie is likewise happy at the Premier League leaders, having become a regular fixture in the starting XI under manager Mikel Arteta.

Hincapie has benefited from Riccardo Calafiori's injury woes and he is currently an undisputed starter in the league from left-back.