MY ACCOUNT
Aaron Hickey is a wanted man — and Arsenal look to have their eyes set on Bologna’s Scottish starlet.
The 19-year-old has been turning heads in Italy thanks to a breakout campaign, leading to a first senior Scotland call-up earlier this year.
And he has been selected by manager Steve Clarke once again as his side prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Ukraine tonight.
We take a look at why the North London outfit are chasing full-back Hickey ahead of this evening’s game.
Ambipedal
The ability to use both feet is a trait that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appears to prize in his full-backs.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nuno Tavares arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer and both players are comfortable using their less dominant foot.
This helps them beat a press, offers variety to their attacking play and makes them options on either flank.
Hickey is particularly strong in that regard, using his supposedly weaker right foot an astonishing 40% of the time over the past year.
A goal threat
Hickey found the net five times in Serie A last season, representing an impressive haul for a full-back.
Three of those five were scored with his right foot as the Rossoblu’s No3 frequently cut inside from his usual spot at left-back.
His ability to drive down the line or infield creates uncertainty for opposition defenders and has led to the 19-year-old winning 71 fouls in Italy’s top fight — the ninth-most in the division.
Sinisa Mihajlovic
Hickey credits Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic with helping him improve.
Speaking in February, he said: “The manager [Mihajlovic] used to be a left-back.
“Every day he teaches me something. It’s mostly defensive stuff, like your body shape when you’re defending. All the simple things but in great detail. It’s really good.
“[Playing as a wing-back] changes it a wee bit, because it allows me to go further up the park and get into attacks.
“As a wing-back, I’m able to get into more advanced areas and be a threat for the opposition but obviously, I have to balance it with defensive work and running back. It’s a tough shift.”
Arsenal-bound?
Arsenal are reportedly keen to bring Hickey to North London this summer — and it is not hard to see why given the Scot’s impressive displays.
Furthermore, first-choice left-back and fellow Scot Kieran Tierney has struggled with injury issues since arriving at the Emirates, meaning quality cover and competition is needed.
Tavares was supposed to be the answer to that problem but the Portuguese has struggled since joining from Benfica a year ago.
A similar issue exists on the opposite flank, with Tomiyasu missing a spell due to injury and his deputy Cedric Soares not always meeting the required standards.
Hickey’s ability to play on both sides would make him a valuable asset.
Other suitors
However, Arsenal are not the only side interested in a move for Hickey.
Brentford, West Ham and Newcastle are all reportedly keen on the defender — and may offer him more regular minutes.
There are also suitors in Italy who have witnessed Hickey’s quality first-hand, with Napoli thought to be admirers of the Glasgow native as well.
If Arsenal want to land their man, they may have to move quickly.
