Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after a successful loan spell.

The Gunners paid around £34.5 million to secure the Ecuador international, who made 39 appearances in all competitions last season as Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the league title. The 24 year old has now signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2031.

Hincapie quickly became an important part of Arsenal’s back line during his first season in North London, earning the club’s trust with a series of strong performances.

The defender is currently representing Ecuador at the World Cup and is expected to feature when his country takes on Germany, before returning to Arsenal as a permanent member of Arteta’s squad.