Aaron Hickey is quickly becoming a top target for Premier League sides, with Arsenal the latest side to be linked to the Scottish defender, along with Newcastle United and Manchester City.
As per reports, the Gunners are now interested in the Bologna star with Aston Villa and Liverpool also chasing the Scottish international, who looks set to return to Britain this summer in a deal that could cost as much as £20m.
With so much Premier League interest around Hickey, HITC Sport take a look at five clubs who should be looking to sign the teenage defender this summer, and which side would make for the best fit for the left-back.
Arsenal
As mentioned, Arsenal are now well in the hunt for Hickey, with Mikel Arteta eyeing the Scotsman as potential cover for both the left-back and right-back position should Cedric Soares leave north London.
Following the success of Scotland international Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, Hickey could be a solid option for Arsenal this summer, especially with the Gunners now confirmed to be playing UEFA Europa League football at a minimum next season.
Leeds United
Should Leeds United claim Premier League safety this season, Jesse Marsch could be an ideal coach to mentor Hickey in the English top-flight, with the Elland Road side desperate for a new left-back this summer.
The signing of Junior Firpo from FC Barcelona has been disappointing, to say the least, and a player like Hickey could take the left-back position for himself and for the coming seasons, with Leeds no doubt ambitious enough to give the Scotsman a chance to impress.
With reports linking Leeds to some impressive young players, the Whites staying in the Premier League could bring an exciting youth revolution to Elland Road that will excite supporters, and Hickey should be one of the names Marsch looks to bring in.
Newcastle United
Just like Arsenal, Newcastle are also reportedly in the race for the £20m-rated Hickey, and in a similar boat to Leeds, Eddie Howe’s side could do with an improvement in the left-back position this summer.
Whilst Matt Targett has impressed since joining the Toon on loan, a younger and more permanent option in Hickey could be perfect for Hickey, especially with Newcastle’s lofty ambitions under the PIF ownership.
Manchester City
City and left-backs have also been a weird story, with Joao Cancelo this season taking up the position and impressing hugely despite the Portuguese international’s natural role as a right-sided fullback, which is why the reported interest in Hickey makes sense.
Pep Guardiola’s side are one of the best and biggest in world football, and following the success of Phil Foden, giving young players a chance is becoming more commonplace at the Etihad Stadium, and for Hickey, this could actually mean plenty of regular football should the defender make the move to Scotland.
Tottenham
For many Premier League sides, the upcoming transfer window will be one of immense change, and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham is no different, with left-back a major area that the Italian and his right-hand man Fabio Paratici will be looking to improve on.
With Matt Doherty taking up the position until his season-ending injury and Ryan Sessegnon yet to win over Conte’s trust, Hickey could be a great option for Conte in Tottenham’s system, especially with the 19-year-old playing in a similar set-up at Bologna.
Versatile and already a hit in Serie A, Hickey ticks all the boxes for a Conte signing for Tottenham, and for fans, the Scottish star would be an improvement in the left-back position and allow a now rejuvenated Doherty to return to his natural position of right-back.
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