Arsenal set to complete £45m Hincapie signing after retained list hint

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Arsenal appear to have confirmed they will exercise their option to sign Piero Hincapie permanently after the defender was notably absent from the club’s retained list for the 2026/27 season.

The Ecuador international joined the Gunners on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and quickly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back, culminating in a starting role in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal had always been expected to trigger their £45million option to sign Hincapie permanently this summer, and Thursday’s retained list announcement appears to confirm that decision.

Telling omission from departures list

The club published their list of players departing on June 30 when contracts expire, but Hincapie’s name was conspicuously absent. This marks a significant departure from last year’s approach, when both Neto and Raheem Sterling were confirmed to be returning to Bournemouth and Chelsea respectively after their loan spells.

According to the Evening Standard, the absence of Hincapie from this year’s list suggests an announcement regarding his permanent transfer may be imminent.

The 22-year-old’s impressive debut season in north London has seen him become a key figure in Arsenal’s defensive setup, providing pace and attacking threat down the left flank while maintaining defensive solidity.

Major departures confirmed

The retained list confirms 15 players across Arsenal’s senior and youth teams will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June. Notable departures include academy prospect Josh Nichols, who is set to join Croatian side NK Kustosija after penning an emotional farewell letter.

Arsenal Women will also see significant changes, with legends Katie McCabe moving to Chelsea and Beth Mead departing the club. The departures mark the end of an era for the women’s team, with both players having been instrumental in recent successes.

The club confirmed they remain in discussions with Caitlin Foord and two academy players, with those negotiations set to be concluded in due course.

Hincapie’s expected permanent signing would represent a major statement of intent from Arsenal, securing a young defender who has already proven his worth at the highest level. The £45million fee would make him one of the club’s most expensive defensive signings, underlining the faith Arteta has placed in the South American’s abilities.