By OkayGoal 
Piero Hincapie joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, with the Gunners having the option to turn it into a permanent deal at the end of this season. According to Fabrizio Romano, the initial loan agreement was necessary for Arsenal to comply with the Financial Fair Play regulations, and their plan was always to sign the defender full-time.
Hincapie missed the start of the campaign with a groin problem, but he started 17 Premier League matches of 21 his team played since his return to action in late October. He has firmly established himself as a vital part of the Arsenal back line under Mikel Arteta, scoring one goal and recording one assist.
Arsenal will pay a fee of €52million to Leverkusen for the permanent transfer of the 24-year-old Ecuador international, along with 10% of any future sale.
As things stand at this point, there’s a fair chance that Hincapie will start his permanent Arsenal spell with a Premier League medal already around his neck.