Mikel Arteta’s final summer signing Piero Hincapie says it took ‘only one conversation’ to convince him to join Arsenal despite interest from Tottenham.
Spurs were believed to be leading the race to sign Hincapie, who made it clear to Bayer Leverkusen that he wanted to leave before the transfer deadline.
But Arsenal expressed interest in a deal late in the summer window and reports said Hincapie immediately favoured a move to the Gunners.
The Ecuador international completed his move to the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day on an initial loan deal which is expected to become a permanent £45m transfer next summer.
Asked about his decision to join Arsenal, Arteta’s eighth signing of the summer said: ‘It only took one conversation to make me feel sure about the decision that I was taking. I’m over the moon.
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‘I want to gel as best as I can with my new teammates and have a good season.
‘I always want to win trophies for this club, to make a name for myself, and to leave a mark. I want to get off to a good start quickly and that’s the most important thing.’
Hincapie made 166 appearances for his former club Bayer Leverkusen and helped the German side win the Bundesliga title in 2023-24.
Granit Xhaka was also a key member of Leverkusen’s title-winning squad and Hincapie spoke to the ex-Arsenal captain before his move to north London.
‘We’d speak a lot but not about [Arsenal],’ he added. ‘However, I asked him about Arsenal at one point, and I queried him about how things were here.
‘He spoke wonders about the club and how he felt during his spell here. I loved the conversation that we had at that point, and it wasn’t that recent.
‘He did send me a message recently, though. He always spoke well of the club.’
Hincapie will wear the No. 5 shirt at Arsenal and strengthen Arteta’s defensive options as a player who can play centrally or on the left.
‘I think I can bring a lot of courage,’ he said. ‘I do my job well.
‘I want to show my qualities as I’ve been doing for years. I want to give so much for this club.
‘My best position is centre-back. I’ve played many games at full-back as well, but I think I’m best at centre-back.
‘As for my qualities, I’m pacey and I like carrying the ball forward as well as being a leader on the pitch.’
Arsenal sanctioned Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto after agreeing a deal to sign Hincapie.
The Gunners also sent Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan to Nottingham Forest before the summer transfer window shut.
‘I’m so happy to join Nottingham Forest,’ the Ukrainian defender said. ‘So excited for the season ahead. I can’t wait to meet you all in the stadium.’
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