Aaron Hickey is close to joining Arsenal from Bologna, according to reports.
The 19-year-old has gained plenty of transfer interest after his stunning form in Serie A.
Newcastle, AC Milan and Brentford are among those reportedly keen.
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But Mikel Arteta has made him a top target for the Gunners - who missed out on Champions League football for next season.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports they are now favourites to land the Scotland international, in a whopping £21million deal.
Hearts are set for a financial windfall from any deal after inserting a sell-on clause in the agreement that took him to Italy from Tynecastle back in 2020.
READ MORE: Hearts 'set' to land Alan Forrest as Jambos beat Dundee United to transfer of Livingston star
Should he join Arsenal he would hook up with former Celtic star Kieran Tierney.
The ex-Hoops star is missing for Scotland's crucial World Cup semi-final play-off against Ukraine as he is currently on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a knee injury
Should Steve Clarke's men win at Hampden later today, they will go on to face Wales in Cardiff on Sunday with a place at Qatar 2022 up for grabs.
England, USA and Iran await the winner to complete the group for the finals.
