Report: Arsenal now ‘very likely’ to sign ‘one of the stand-out young players in European football’ soon

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Arsenal have been heavily linked with Aaron Hickey in recent weeks.

A month ago, Bologna-based 1000 Cuori Rossoblu claimed the Gunners were leading the race for Hickey.

There have also been reports suggesting Arsenal had agreed a fee for the Scotland international.

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport – via Sport Witness – has suggested this may not be the case just yet.

The Italian outlet claims Arsenal are still ‘pressing heavily with an offer of €25m (£21.3m)’.

Nonetheless, it looks as Hickey is in line for a ‘very likely farewell’ from the Renato Dall’Ara stadium.

Gazzetta also claims Bologna will need a replacement.

However, they might already have some cover at the club in the shape of Mitchell Dijks.

So, it seems as though all signs are pointing towards fruitful discussions between Arsenal and Bologna.

Arsenal are reportedly looking for reinforcements at left-back for next season.

While Kieran Tierney is the undisputed first-choice in the position, his injury late last term hampered the Gunners.

Nuno Tavares struggled at times to fill in, so it looks as though Mikel Arteta is looking for another option.

And in Hickey, he’d be getting a top talent who has developed impressively at Bologna.

After giving Hickey his first senior call-up, Scotland boss Steve Clarke said: “If you look at the way Aaron has played for Bologna over the course of the season, he is one of the stand-out young players in European football.”

Arsenal are reportedly also looking at forwards and midfielders ahead of next season.

While the Gunners were much improved in 2021-22, they stumbled towards the end and finished just outside the top four.