Arsenal’s preparation for the summer transfer window have commenced it seems. The Gunners are staring at an exciting summer with many departments expected to get reinforcements. However, one position where Arsenal have struggled recently is the full-back. Keiran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu have led from the front on the left and right flanks respectively. But the Gunners have failed to cope up with injuries to both their first-choice full-backs. Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares have put on mediocre displays costing Arsenal crucial points. As a result, Arsenal turned their attention to Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.
Aaron Hickey his trade as a left-back but can play on the right flank as well. Arsenal were linked with the Scot for the last few weeks and now reports are fresh that the Gunners have agreed on a deal to sign him. Hickey’s absolute solid performances for the Serie A side have attracted offers from many top clubs. But it seems Arsenal have won the race to acquire the 19-year-old defender. Scots Abroad Pod were the first to link Hickey to Arsenal earlier this month. Now, CalcioNapoli24 report that a deal has been agreed between the two sides for Hickey’s signing.
Arsenal reach a pre-agreement with the Bologna defender
Arsenal were heavily interested in signing Hickey from Bologna. The full-back’s two-footedness means he can play as both left-back and right-back. This could help Arsenal use the defender as both Tierney and Tomiyasu’s backup. CalcioNapoli24 have revealed that the Londoners have struck a deal over the weekend to land Hickey. The Bologna full-back’s market value stands at £13.5 million. However, Arsenal knew they would have to table an offer more than his market value to convince Bologna.
As a result, Arsenal were ready to pay £17 million for the defender. CalcioNapoli24 further added in their report that the Gunners have now agreed on a deal between £17-£21 million with Bologna. Their offer convinced the Serie A outfit and the Scot could now move to the Emirates at the end of the season.
Further on, there we report as well that Hickey’s national teammate Keiran Tierney and former clubmate Tomiyasu have helped Arsenal win the race to sign the defender. It won’t be the first time Arsenal are dealing with Bologna for a full-back. The Gunners acquired Takehiro Tomiyasu from the Serie A club last summer for £16 million. Both clubs now look to complete Hickey’s transfer based on their good relationship from the Tomiyasu deal.
However, Hickey’s signing could impact the future of Arsenal’s other two full-backs, Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares. Cedric is already tipped to leave in the summer, and there are early rumors that Arsenal could send Tavares on loan. The Gunner believes more first-team minutes with another Premier League club could help Tavares’ development. Nonetheless, if Hickey arrives at Arsenal this summer, given his age and talent, he would be another hit at the club for a mere fee of £17-£21 million.
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