Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly in the market for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey left-back, and it is now claimed that a move has been made for the Scotland international by the North Londoners.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful season in Italy, appearing in 36 games, and such has been his performance that he has caught the attention of several Premier League sides.
Whilst the Gunners’ interest in the former Hearts player has been reported for several weeks, Gazzetta dello Sport have now claimed that both Arsenal and West Ham have made an offer for the youngster.
According to Express, the North Londoners have said to have bidded 21 million pounds for the player, while the East Londoners’ bid is said to be slightly less. Bologna’s response to the proposals is yet not known while it is also not revealed what will be enough for the Serie A side to convince them to sell Hickey this summer.
Napoli are said to be another club who are interested in the services of the Scotsman. However, according to reports the club based in Naples are on the verge of signing Getafe left-back Mathias Oliviera, paving the way for the Premier League teams to move for the teenage defender.
The player, who turns 20 next month, still has two years remaining on his contract with the Serie A side. Hickey spent time at the Celtic academy before rejoining his boyhood club Hearts in 2018. He appeared over 30 times for the Scottish Premiership side even before the age of 18.
The Italian club then signed the player in September 2020 for a fee believed to be in the region of 1.5 million. But he did not become a regular starter instantly until this season when he cemented his place at the left-flank of Bologna’s defence while also scoring five goals in the process.
The left-back will be looking to add to his two senior Scotland caps when he joins the Tartan Terriers ahead of next month’s World Cup playoffs against Ukraine.
