Arsenal outbid West Ham in race to sign Bologna star Aaron Hickey
Arsenal are choosing to start their transfer business early and the latest report is that the Gunners are gaining ground in the race to sign Aaron Hickey.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly on the lookout for a left-sided defender and the Bologna star has been identified as a perfect fit. Arsenal are not without competition though, with the likes of Napoli and West Ham United also said to be interested in the Scotland international. However, it is the north London side claimed to be leading the race as it stands.
Arsenal lead the race to sign Hickey
It is no surprise that Hickey is attracting interest from a host of Premier League sides. The 19-year-old, who turns 20 next month, enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Bologna. He was a regular, featuring in 36 games and also showed his attacking side by scoring five goals while recording one assist.
Over the past few weeks, Arsenal’s interest in the youngster has been well documented. The latest from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claims both West Ham and the Gunners have placed official bids for the player.
Arsenal are said to have placed of around €25 million, while West Ham’s offer is somewhere below that valuation. At the moment, Bologna have not responded to the offer and it remains to be seen if they will demand a higher figure to sell one of their prized assets. Hickey still has two years left on his contract and given his age, he could be best described as a profitable selling prospect.
Arsenal’s need for a left-back
Tierney's injury record continues to be a worry for Arsenal. Everyone knows how talented the Scotland international is but the reality is that his injuries are proving too recurring to find him reliable enough as a first team player.
At a time where the Gunners needed him the most, he was absent from the last couple months, due to a knee injury. His absence was solely felt as Arsenal ended up missing out on the Champions League in disappointing fashion.
Tierney has battled injury issues for a good part of his career and has not managed more than 27 Premier League appearances in a season for the Gunners. Elsewhere, Nuno Tavarez has endured a mixed debut campaign so far at the Emirates stadium
Having joined from Benfica last summer, the Portuguese has produced some mixed displays but has mostly appeared rash and indecisive on several occasions. He has failed to impress despite being given several chances and it appears Mikel Arteta is convinced he will go in search of another better option.
Tavares was supposed to come in as backup for Tierney but could yet find himself surplus to requirements.
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