Report: Brentford now trying to sign two defenders who are on Arteta’s transfer wishlist at Arsenal

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Arsenal targets Djed Spence and Aaron Hickey are also wanted by Brentford ahead of their second Premier League season.

In March, it was reported that Arsenal were preparing a bid for Middlesbrough defender Spence, who has shone on loan with Nottingham Forest this season.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that the Gunners had also held a transfer meeting over Scotsman Hickey and it seems they are closer to landing him than Spence.

Sky Sports claim that the Bees are ambitiously targeting the defensive duo as they look to build on their impressive first top flight campaign.

Arsenal targets Hickey and Spence wanted by Brentford

The report reads: “On the wings they have a string of options they will look at including Aaron Hickey on the left and Djed Spence on the right.“

There is already hot competition for Spence, who helped Forest get back into the big time with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield on Sunday.

It has been claimed that Forest’s promotion will not put Tottenham off bidding for him, although of course Steve Cooper’s men now have a far more attractive offer to make him.

Aston Villa have also been linked with Hickey, and they have been moving quickly in the transfer market already, landing Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara.

With all due respect to Brentford, Arsenal should fancy themselves to put together a more attractive offer than the Bees.

If they really want one or both of their full back targets, the Gunners should be able to get them ahead of Thomas Frank’s side.

But if they are focusing on a deal for Gabriel Jesus or Youri Tielemans first, perhaps the Bees could steal in ahead of them, but that would be a huge statement from Frank’s men.