Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are now facing serious competition from Brentford for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, according to The Times.
Earlier this week, Calciomercato reported that Arsenal have agreed a deal with Bologna over the transfer of Hickey to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window.
As per the report, Arsenal will pay €24 million (£20.26 million) for the Scotland international left-back, who will finalise his move to the Premier League club in the next few days.
However, The Times are now reporting that Arsenal have denied that a deal has been struck over the transfer of the 19-year-old.
The report has added that it is Arsenal’s Premier League and London rivals Brentford who are leading the race to sign Hickey for £13 million.
Arsenal or Brentford for Aaron Hickey?
In our opinion, if £13 million is what it takes for Arsenal to sign Hickey, then they should pay it and get a deal done before Brentford do.
We think that Arsenal will be more appealing than Brentford to the 19-year-old left-back, described by former Hearts manager Daniel Stendel as “an extraordinary talent” who is “like Philipp Lahm” in The Scottish Sun in August 2020.
The Bologna no. 3 has made 34 starts and one substitute appearance in Serie A this season.
Hickey has scored five goals and given one assist in those games.
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