Arsenal have reportedly expressed the desire to sign Scottish whizkid Aaron Hickey from Serie A outfit Bologna this summer.
According to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli (h/t Sport Witness), Arsenal are in the market for Aaron Hickey. The Premier League giants have been left impressed by the youngster’s performances for Bologna and have launched an enquiry, exploring the possibility of snapping him up in the coming summer.
Arsenal are expected to begin their negotiations, but it could be a fairly tricky operation. Bologna have already slapped a €20 million price tag on Hickey, who is targeted by various other Premier League clubs including the cash-rich Newcastle United.
Formerly of Hearts, Hickey has enjoyed immense success since making a rather unconventional move to Bologna in the summer of 2020. He made 11 Serie A appearances during his first season at the club, the youngster’s actual breakthrough has come in the ongoing campaign.
After making an impression during the backend of last season, the Scot has become a first-team regular for Bologna this term. He has racked up 33 Serie A appearances so far, scoring five goals while bagging an assist.
A left-back by trade, Hickey has impressed the onlookers with his ability to provide support from the flanks. His marauding runs forward coupled with his knack for scoring goals have made him an asset for Bologna this season, though the Serie A outfit might not be able to keep him for very long, amid interest from Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, for one, are among the clubs determined to sign Hickey in the new season. The Gunners are likely to target the 19-year-old as a potential alternative to his compatriot Kieran Tierney, who is currently the club’s number one choice at left-back.
Nuno Tavares was brought in from Portugal to serve as an understudy of Tierney last summer. But the young Portuguese has not quite made the desired impact, prompting Arsenal to look for other options in the market.
The Londoners have been linked with a series of talented left-backs across Europe this year. But in Hickey, Arsenal could find a budding teenager who has already proven his skills in Serie A and has room to further develop himself into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
Hickey’s attacking qualities could add more variety to Arsenal’s full-back department, considering the Tierney is largely considered as a defensive left-back. But with Chelsea and Liverpool also involved in the race, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get their hands on the young Scot this summer, potentially in a €20 million deal.
