Arsenal have been told by Bologna’s sporting director that his side are in no hurry to sell fullback Aaron Hickey amid Premier League interest.
The Scotland international has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners recently, though Brentford are also reportedly keen on the defender. Southampton has also been cited as an interested party as well.
Hickey impressed in the Serie A last season, making 36 league appearances for Bologna and scoring five, excelling in the left-back role – though also showcased versatility in how he thrived as a wing-back and on the right side of the defence. Arsenal are thought to be preparing to enter talks for the 20-year-old, but they have been sent a stern warning.
Bologna’s newly-appointed sports director Marco Di Vaio has spoken out about the young defender, saying: “Hickey may be one of the expendable names on the market, but in case of inadequate offers he may stay with us for another year.” The comment confirms that Hickey is not an unsellable player for the Serie A side, though they are more than happy to keep nurturing his talent and thus increasing his value.
It is reported that approximately £21million for a bid to be accepted for Hickey, which is not a figure out of the reach of Arsenal. Mikel Arteta appears to be keen to bolster his options in the fullback positions, and Hickey’s ability to play on either side of defence kills two birds with one stone in that sense.
Kieran Tierney was excellent for the Gunners last season but injury meant that Arteta was searching for alternatives towards the end of the season. Nuno Tavares was signed last summer and seen as a long-term option going forward, but the Portuguese defender has struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League and his performances left a lot to be desired.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, on the other hand, took to life in England like a duck to water and flourished at the Emirates Stadium. The Japan international was excellent on the attack but equally as strong defensively, yet his cover of Cedric Soares is certainly an area to be improved upon.
Reports have circulated that Tottenham are also keeping tabs on Hickey and could be tempted into rivalling their North London rivals for the exciting prospect – who has made four international appearances. However, the saving grace for Arteta is that Spurs are very keen on Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence.
The Englishman flourished in the right wing-back role on loan at Nottingham Forest last season and is available for approximately £20m as well. Newly-promoted Forest are keen to retain the young fullback, though reports have circulated that Spence is keen to move to Tottenham.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal and Bologna are able to strike a deal for Hickey, or if Arteta decides to prioritise other positions first before seeing if his budget allows the acquisition of the former Hearts star. The Gunners are desperate to sign a striker this summer, with Manchester City ’s Gabriel Jesus a top target.
