Italian outlet Fanta Calcio claim Arsenal’s £21million move for Bologna star Aaron Hickey is a ‘done deal’ – with West Ham’s bid proving lower. Hickey has emerged as a target for numerous Premier League clubs this summer.
Hickey, 19, enjoyed a superb season in Serie A during 2021-22. Joining the Italian side in 2020, he only played 12 times in his first campaign with Bologna. But in his second season, he sparkled, missing just two games.
The uncapped Scot was only absent for those two through injury and suspension. He scored five goals, playing as a left wing-back or a left midfielder. That form has attracted interest from Premier League sides.
90Min claim Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham, Leicester, Leeds, Brighton, Southampton and Brentford have all shown interest in Hickey.
But now, a report from Fanta Calcio claim that Arsenal’s £21million move for Hickey is a ‘done deal. That is, after West Ham made a lower offer to sign the left-back. A move to the Emirates looks as if it is on the cards.
Hickey has been excellent for Bologna. Arsenal are getting a player, if a deal does go through, that could blossom into one of the Premier League’s best left-sided defenders, wing-backs and even left-wingers.
Playing under the guidance of a fellow Scot in Kieran Tierney will also help Hickey. However, it must be said, West Ham would be able to offer Hickey more minutes, with Aaron Cresswell sometimes operating as a centre-back.
Both clubs would benefit Hickey, given they are in European football. But the lure of Arsenal and playing with Tierney will appeal to Hickey. Arsenal held talks in London for the defender last week.
