'Build Andrea Berta a statue' - Arsenal fans stunned as another new signing jets in
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago
Aasif Rahman
Sat 30 August 2025 8:10, UK
Arsenal fans were in unison with their reaction after a journalist’s update on the club’s pursuit of Piero Hincapie, with plenty of praise directed towards Andrea Berta.
It has already been an unprecedented summer for Arsenal, who have brought in seven new players and spent upwards of £250 million – a level of investment rarely seen from the north London club.
Several of those signings have already made an impact.
Arsenal fans are already excited with Viktor Gyokeres’ performances, Martin Zubimendi looks to have slotted seamlessly into midfield, and the buzz around Eberechi Eze’s arrival has added further excitement to the Emirates.
But the business may not be over just yet.
Reports in recent days suggest Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Hincapie, despite interest from rivals Tottenham.
Now, news of progress in the move has sparked excitement among supporters, who see the Ecuadorian international as another strong addition before the transfer deadline.
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David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that Arsenal have agreed a loan deal to sign Hincapie, which includes an option to buy for £45 million.
It is understood that personal terms are already in place should the Gunners make the move permanent next summer, with the player set to travel imminently to finalise the switch.
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Arsenal had initially explored a permanent transfer by triggering his £52 million release clause, but talks instead progressed towards a loan with an option to buy, giving the club greater flexibility in the market.
The development follows reports from Football Insider that Arsenal needed to offload players before making a move for Hincapie.
With centre-back Jakub Kiwior agreeing a transfer to Porto, space has now opened up for the Ecuador international to join.
Hincapie has been a key figure for Leverkusen since arriving in 2021 and played an important role in their historic 2023-24 campaign, where the club won both the Bundesliga and the German Cup.
Club statisticsPiero HincapieAppearances166Goals7Assists5Piero Hincapie at Bayer Leverkusen
News that Arsenal have struck a deal for another major signing has led to widespread praise for sporting director Andrea Berta.
The former Atletico Madrid technical director arrived in north London in March to succeed Edu, who left Arsenal to join Evangelos Marinakas’ group.
Since then, Berta has overseen a busy transfer window that has seen Arsenal spend heavily but also act with flexibility in the market.
Supporters have been particularly impressed with the decision to negotiate a loan with an option to buy for Hincapie rather than committing to a full transfer fee upfront, and a fee below his clause.
One fan reacted to the news with: “Andrea Berta changed our lives” while another added: “It’s a loan with option – goodness me.