According to CalcioNapoli24, Arsenal have agreed a deal to bring Aaron Hickey to the Premier League, a player who Newcastle were also targeting.
What’s the story?
Well, this is big news for Arsenal, but Newcastle won’t be happy.
The Italian news outlet believe Riccardo Bigon – Director of Football at Bologna – flew to London earlier this week to hold talks with the Gunners.
Despite strong interest from Napoli – as well as Newcastle – a deal which could total €25m (£21m) has been agreed between Arsenal and Bologna.
Relations between Arsenal and Bologna are said to be strong after the two sides successfully negotiated a deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu back in August.
Now, CalcioNapoli24 state that the final details need to be ironed out, before Hickey officially joins Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old will need to agree personal terms, and also pass a medical, before his move to the Premier League is complete.
So far this season, Hickey has impressively scored five goals in 34 Serie A appearances, which is an eye-catching return for a left-back, to say the least.
Arsenal have beaten Newcastle to a gem
With doubts over Kieran Tierney’s fitness, and questions marks over Nuno Tavares as well, Arsenal need a new left-back.
In Hickey, Edu has identified a gem of a player, who could even become as good as his fellow Scotland international Andy Robertson.
Paolo Maldini – who is now Director of Football at AC Milan – has even taken a liking to the teenager, so he’s clearly been doing something right in Italy.
For a sum of just £21m, Arsenal appear to have struck gold during negotiations with Bigon – this could prove to be a total bargain.
Now, those at the Emirates Stadium will be delighted, but for Eddie Howe and the Magpies, they will surely be full of disappointment.
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