Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their attempts to sign Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey, fighting competition from Napoli and Newcastle United.
The Scotland international turns 20 next month and was snapped up from Hearts in September 2020 for €1.7m.
It has been a breakthrough campaign for him in Serie A, scoring a personal best five Serie A goals in 34 games this season, along with an assist.
Hickey is under contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara until June 2024.
According to The Mirror newspaper, Arsenal are eager to get there ahead of the chasing pack and get a deal done with Bologna as soon as possible.
He is being called the new Gareth Bale for his attacking prowess on the left wing.
The asking price is currently in the region of €20m and rising with every strong performance he puts in for the Serie A side.
Hickey could continue his Serie A career at Napoli, who have qualified for the 2022-23 Champions League, or go to the Premier League for Arsenal or Newcastle United.
Arsenal target Aaron Hickey has previously been compared to Gareth Bale as Gunners ‘accelerate’ transfer pursuithttps://t.co/sLpRzMEESC pic.twitter.com/EHhDNKnfFV
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 11, 2022
Can’t believe Milan are not being linked more with this kid. Would be a perfect backup to Theo. MIght as well sit on the bench in Milan as in London.