Transfer Profile: Aaron Hickey

Transfer Profile: Aaron Hickey

By Jonny Bray
Arsenal are desperate for cover at full-back. 
Last season, injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney wreaked havoc on Mikel Arteta's back four. 
Nuno Tavares was simply not up to the task of filling the Scottish left-back's shoes, and despite calls to give him time, many Gunners fans believe the side are desperate for a clear-cut second-choice in the position. 
There is an abundance of outstanding full-backs throughout Europe's top five leagues and the Gunners have been linked with many of them since the start of this summer's transfer window. 
One of those is Aaron Hickey, the Scottish star who has defied expectation during a solid spell at Serie A side Bologna.
So, there is no better time than now to take a look at the Scottish left-back and what he could bring to the Gunners. 

What would he bring?

Hickey joined the club from Hearts in 2020 and has gone from strength to strength over the last two years. He came through at Hearts and Celtic, standing out as one of Scotland's most exciting young players during his days in academy football.
But it was in Italy where he made his name.
He has gone on to make 47 Serie A appearances in two seasons, scoring five goals and registering one assist despite his young age. 
He has shown that he is a well-balanced defender, equally capable in defence and attack. 
He is quickly gaining experience on the international stage, having won four caps for Scotland already. 
And being such an all-around player, he would provide perfect cover for his compatriot Tierney. 
He has incredible composure on the ball, a fantastic passing range and solid positioning for a modern defender. 
And best of all, he has shown that he could potentially become a goal threat in years to come. 

Will he join? 

Arsenal may need to invest their money elsewhere. 
The squad still doesn't have an out-and-out striker, with Gabriel Jesus often being deployed on the right-wing. 
The Gunners may want to spend the £17 million that Hickey is valued at on other areas of the squad. 
There are also other clubs in for the youngster. 
There are rumours in the press that Brentford are also after Hickey, with Thomas Frank keen to bolster his squad after an excellent first season in the Premier League. 
He would be more likely to get the first team football he is looking for and would also be more able to challenge Tierney and fellow countryman Andy Robertson for a starting spot in the Scotland team. 

Should Arsenal sign him?

Arsenal need cover at full-back as soon as possible. 
The club can't be in a position where a couple of injuries could jeopardise any chance of Champions League qualification. 
Hickey is highly rated and will come with a high asking price. 
However, he could provide cover for Tierney for years to come and could even surpass his fellow Scot both on the international stage and at club level. 
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Popular posts from this blog

What have we learned from Arsenal's pre-season so far?

Image
  Arsenal – what have we learned from pre-season? By Jack Lacey-Hatton It only feels five minutes since Euro 2020, but incredibly we are just one week away from the new Premier League season starting. Arsenal will travel to newly promoted Brentford for a London derby in front of a noisy crowd next Friday night, not the easiest of starts to the new campaign. But what sort of shape are Mikel Arteta’s side in, going into what could be a defining season for the manager? We took a close look at what we have learnt from the pre-season period and what kind of shape the squad are in.   The new signings are ready to go It has been a mixed transfer window so far. Some fans would have expected more both leaving and arriving at the Emirates stadium over the summer. But positives can be taken - Ben White has arrived from Brighton for £50million, and highly-rated full back Nuno Tavares has come in from Benfica. Albert Sambi Lokonga completes the 2021 summer singings so far. Cruc...
Read more

Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves

Image
Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves By Jonny Bray It is hard to believe that Ruben Neves is still only 25-years-old.   It feels as if the Portuguese international has been tipped for big things for nearly a decade now.  With the midfielder out of contract in 2023, it appears his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers could be coming to an end.  Understandably, with a player like Neves on offer for a reduced price, clubs around Europe are queueing up to secure the international's signature.  So, after all this time, should Arsenal move for Ruben Neves now, or is it time for the Gunners to turn their attention to a new target?  What would he bring?  Arsenal do not have enough defensive midfielders.  Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka give Mikel Arteta plenty of midfield options going forward, but the Gunners have been found lacking when out of possession this season. Thomas Partey has been in and out of the side due to injuries, a fact that has not hel...
Read more

Where will Arsenal finish this season?

Image
Where will Arsenal finish this season? By Alec McQuarrie Arsenal have made steady improvement over the last few seasons under Mikel Arteta. After finishing 8th in his debut season, the Spaniard oversaw a five-point improvement in his first full campaign.  And last year an eight-point leap followed, which was unfortunately not enough to pip Tottenham to fourth place.  Cruelly, the 69 points accumulated would have been enough to seal Champions League qualification in the previous two seasons.  Looking at the trajectory over the Arteta era, it would be fair to assume a continued improvement this coming season.  After all, with five signings already secured this summer and Alexandre Lacazette the sole first-team player to depart, surely fourth place should be a bare minimum expectation.  Oleksandr Zinchenko offers much-needed cover at left-back and competition for central midfield.  Gabriel Jesus is a proven goalscorer and brings a tireless work-ethic to fulfil...
Read more