Arsenal Transfer News: The Gunners’ pursuit of Bologna defender Aaron Hickey is known to everyone. In a positive news for the club, the Serie A club has admitted that the Scotland international could be sold this summer.

Mikel Arteta is still looking to make his first signing of the summer. It’s reported that the Bologna full-back is reportedly closing in on a move to the Premier League. According to recent rumours, a sum of £21 million is close to being finalised, with Hickey reportedly eager to join the Gunners.

The reason for interest in Hickey has been his excellent form for both club and country. His phenomenal performances this season has earned him a spot on the Golden Boy award’s 100-player shortlist for 2022.

The Scot has five goals in 48 appearances for the Italian club. He moved to Bologna two years ago in a move from Hearts. He has also been capped four times by Scotland.

Arsenal Transfer News: Hickey to challenge Tierney?

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Hickey has been linked with a move to Arsenal in order to give competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back. Nuno Tavares also plays in the position for the Gunners, but he failed in his first season at the Emirates.

Tavares was in poor form in the last stages of the season. He was seen as the weak link whenever he played for the injured Tierney. His lack of defensive covering proved fatal for the club as they struggled to keep clean sheets. The North London club is alleged to have been obliged to step up their pursuit of Hickey this summer as a result of this.

What did Marco di Vaio say?

“It might be, he is one of those we could sacrifice,” Bologna sporting director Marco di Vaio said, according to Football Italia. “But if we don’t receive enough bids, he’ll likely stay for another year.” 

“We have an excellent chance of scoring above 50 points. We’ll need to be able to fund new acquisitions and recruit new players. We’ll be able to replace them and keep everyone else if we make the proper decisions.”

What did Craig Levein say?

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Hickey is a versatile player and has showed his skills before. He can play a number of positions which includes left-back, central midfield, right-back, and central defense.

Craig Levein, a former Hearts manager, said of the player: “He has excellent defensive qualities, but I’m not sure if he’ll end up as a full-back; he may return to midfield.”

With his keen sense of danger and ability to escape tight situations with the ball at his feet, he may be a brilliant holding midfielder.”

If Arsenal can get this deal over the line, it will set the tone for them in the transfer market. The Gunners are struggling to get deal over the line even after being linked with multiple players in the summer window.

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