Arsenal have now been linked with Bologna’s Aaron Hickey for a summer move. The Gunners are struggling with their full-backs, hampering their season of late. First-choice full-backs Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu have struggled with injuries, and backups Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares have disappointed. As a result, Arsenal are looking toward left-back Hickey to bolster their full-back department. Moreover, his two-footedness further intensified Arsenal’s interest. Hickey has the ability to play as both left-back as well as a right-back which could see him provide backup on both the flanks.
Furthermore, reports from Italy last week claimed that Arsenal has opened talks with the left-back’s representatives. The reports further revealed that Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bologna for Aaron Hickey.
Moreover, it was also being reported that Bologna’s Sporting Director Riccardo Bigon had flown to London and finalized the agreement with the Gunners. Hickey’s market value stands at £13 million, but the two clubs reportedly agreed on a fee of £17-£21 million. However, the reliable David Ornstein has an update on the latest Hickey to Arsenal deal.
Ornstein responds to Arsenal agreeing on a deal for Hickey
David Ornstein, while reporting for The Athletic has now responded to the reports coming out of Italy. Moreover, the journalist’s revelation might even disappoint the Gunners’ fans. Ornstein has rubbished the reports outright that Arsenal have reached an agreement for Hickey. The journalist says
“Hickey is not close to joining Arsenal as things stand”.
The update from Ornstein is a step backward for Arsenal’s pursuit of the Scotland international.
Further on, The Telegraph’s Sam Dean has supported Ornstein’s report as well. Dean, while writing for The Telegraph claims “reports in Italy of an agreed deal are wide of the mark”. However, neither of the both have ruled out the possibility of a future move. Moreover, neither have they denied Arsenal’s interest in Hickey. But the reports over the agreed deal seem to be false as both Ornstein and Dean tell. The summer window is yet to open and it would be illogical for Arsenal to concentrate on transfers rather than finishing the season on a high.
But a future move is certainly on the cards as Arsenal needs reinforcements in full-backs. Tierney and Tomiyasu‘s struggles with injuries continue, and so do Tavares and Soares’ poor forms. Cedric is staring at a summer exit, while the Gunners are considering a loan move for Tavares.
Arsenal could be left without any backup for Tierney and Tomiyasu, and hence are vigorously pursuing Hickey. The left-back, who can also ply his trade on the right is valued at around £20 million by Bologna. Arsenal are ready to shell out the amount for a player who has 5 goals and assists in 35 Serie A games this season.
Arsenal shares healthy ties with Bologna, after Tomiyasu’s move last summer. Moreover, Hickey has his national teammate with Kieran Tierney at Arsenal which could further convince him. Therefore, the Gunners can be counted as the frontrunners if they make a move for Hickey in the summer.
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