Arsenal look set to make their first summer signing after agreeing a fee for Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.
Hickey is a young, Scottish left-back who has been catching the eye of European clubs, after becoming a regular in Bologna’s side at the age of 19.
According to Calcio Mercato, Arsenal have now agreed a fee for the left-back, which is believed to be in the region of €20m. Napoli were also interest in Hickey, but it appears Arsenal have won the race.
Kieran Tierney is Arsenal’s usual starting left-back, but regular injuries have forced Mikel Arteta to explore the market for a backup. Nuno Tavares has deputised at times in Tierney’s absence, but he has struggled to find form since joining the club.
Tierney has suffered six different injuries since joining the club in 2019, so bringing in a fellow Scotsman in Hickey could be a smart move.
Hickey may have been attracted to Arsenal due to Arteta’s faith shown in youngsters. The North London club have the lowest average age of players used this season, and Arsenal’s recruitment strategy seems to be targeting young players and giving them a first-team opportunity.
The Scottish international took the brave decision to move abroad to pursue his career, and it seems to have paid off.
Why do arsenal players panic on big occasions. They never keep eleven men on the pitch on big occasions. How many times do you see Liverpool or man city players sent off? why are they always arguing with referees over fouls committed? Xhaka is the worst culprit followed by Gabriel and Patey. This is why they always get yellow and get restricted in their plays. Xhaka committed an obvious penalty against man city and they were still complaining. Infact Holding should have been sent off earlier against Tottenham. All the time he challenged Son he always went for him and not the ball. His action was not intelligent to elbow him when he knew he was on yellow.What is the complaint about the referee’s decision. Though the penalty against arsenal by Soares was soft but it was still a foul play by him. Please Arteta talk to your players to keep cool head on big occasions or it would ruin their chances. Why is xhaka always pulling or hacking opponents down once they go past him and then start claiming innocence? Why does Gabriel hold on too long to balls and then turn to pass to his co- central defender when the left back is free and waiting. The manager should please address these.