Arsenal transfer news: Aaron Hickey deal ‘agreed’ as fee revealed after perfect deal meeting

Arsenal have agreed a deal worth up to £21million to sign Bologna full back Aaron Hickey following a successful transfer meeting, a report has claimed.

The Gunners are looking to cap off a strong spell of form this season by securing Champions League football for next season. While boss Mikel Arteta has developed his side well, top European football is the next step.

Indeed, reaching that next target will allow continued investment in the squad to push the club further.

Last summer was a key one for Arsenal, with several new signings bolstering the team. Nuno Tavares arrived at left-back, but reports have claimed that Hickey is another left-back target this summer.

In fact, Arsenal chiefs recently met with Bologna sporting director Riccardo Bigon to discuss a potential deal.

And according to Calcio Napoli 24, those talks went smoothly and as planned for Arsenal.

The Gunners have found an agreement worth between €20million and €25million to sign Hickey.

Arsenal and Bologna worked together last summer, with right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu moving from Serie A to the Premier League.

The two clubs subsequently used those ‘excellent’ relations, the report adds, to iron out a deal for Hickey.

Napoli also fancied their chances of signing the 19-year-old, but Arsenal now reportedly have a deal in place.

Two-cap Scotland international Hickey came through the Celtic and Hearts youth systems before rising through the ranks of the latter club.

However, he made the move to Italy in September 2020 and has made 46 outings for Bologna so far. This term, he has scored five goals and set up another in the league.

Hickey would strengthen Arsenal ranks

Hickey is still only a teenager and so has room to develop as a player at Arsenal if he signs.

Kieran Tierney is the stand-out left-back for Arteta in the current team, but Hickey can be the perfect understudy.

Making the move to Italy at his young age shows his confidence in breaking the mould and making a name for himself elsewhere.

Arsenal still need to improve their squad

Arsenal have made big improvements this season, but they need a repeat of last summer and must spend some money again this off season.

However, a return to the British Isles could well be on the cards for Hickey.

Tavares has had his moments as Tierney’s current deputy at left-back, but Hickey would fancy his chances of breaking into the team.

Indeed, previous reports have detailed how Arteta likes the fact that the youngster can play on the right of defence too.