Aston Villa are backing away from Aaron Hickey as they now believe that the Arsenal target will be too expensive this summer.
Villa didn’t have the best end to the season, winning just two of their last 11 games.
Steven Gerrard will be desperate to avoid a similar situation next season and will now embark on a major recruitment drive.
Villa already have three deals done; Philippe Coutinho has signed permanently and both Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have agreed to join.
That’s a great start for Villa and there will be more to come – but don’t expect Aaron Hickey to join.
Aston Villa are backing away from Aaron Hickey
Bologna defender Hickey finds himself a man in demand after shining in Italy.
Hickey bagged five goals in 36 games for Bologna this past season, predominantly playing as a left wing back.
The 19-year-old has started for Scotland against Ukraine tonight but this time as a right wing back.
Hickey’s versatility is very appealing but he seemingly won’t be joining Villa.
The Athletic claim that Villa have cooled their interest in signing Hickey because he is now viewed as too expensive.
Hickey is now valued at around £20million, a fee Villa aren’t willing to pay.
Steven Gerrard will be familiar with Hickey from his time in Scotland but given that he would be competition for Matty Cash and Lucas Digne, that fee is a hefty one.
That may just leave Arsenal as the favourites to secure Hickey this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Hickey is probably leaving this summer with Arsenal ‘strongly pressing’ to sign him.
It’s stated that Arsenal will pay around €25million (£21million) to sign Hickey.
The idea would be for Hickey to offer cover and competition for fellow Scot Kieran Tierney whilst also being able to play on the right.
Villa seemingly beat Arsenal to sign Emiliano Buendia last summer but that won’t be the case with Hickey.
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