The forgotten Arsenal transfer set to transform Arteta's title charge after latest achievement

The international break is mercifully into its second week, meaning that the matches are nearly complete and players will be returning from their respective nations. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has had very few players to work with as the bulk of his squad have been away.

Those who have not been travelling have been focusing on recovering from an early injury crisis at the club. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga stayed behind among those in the senior group who were fit but not called up by their country.

One such player who is yet to even integrate or train with their new teammates is Piero Hincapie. The defender was signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day, with a view to a permanent move football.londonunderstands to be in the region of £45million that all parties expect to go through in 2026.

He immediately left his new home to fly to South America to play for Ecuador. In a World Cup qualifier, La Tricolor drew 0-0 with Paraguay.

According to Fotmob, Hincapie started the match as a left-sided centre-half and ended the game with the second-highest player rating on his side, 7.6, behind goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. They had to repel plenty of Paraguayan attacks, and the new Gunners’ defender stood strong to claim the clean sheet.

Hincapie can play in this role or as a left-back. He possesses great speed and strength and likes to roam forward. He also has a great delivery, which the likes of Viktor Gyokeres could greatly benefit from.

Ecuador’s next game is against Argentina at midnight this Wednesday morning UK time. Sitting fourth after 17 games, they are in a good position, but their midweek opponents are comfortably top and one of the favourites for next year’s competition.

Hincapie will then fly back to the UK and could have his first training session this Friday before the 12:30pm UK time kick-off with Nottingham Forest on Saturday. This may come too soon for him to make his debut, but there is real hope the defender will be a great asset to Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

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