Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Aaron Hickey after major competitors Napoli agreed a deal for Getafe full-back Mathias Olivera.
The Gunners are set for a busy window and football.london understands that technical director Edu will look to sign at least one attacker, a central midfielder and a fullback whilst the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno are all expected to leave the club. football.london understands Scottish left-back Hickey is one name that has caught the attention of Mikel Arteta and Edu.
Reports in Italy earlier this month, as cited by Sport Witness, had suggested that Arsenal are among several clubs interested in attaining his services, but the Gunners and Serie A giants Napoli were leading the proceedings.
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However, Getafe President Angel Torres confirmed to Calcio Napoli 24, via Football Italia, that the two clubs had reached an agreement over the sale of Olivera. He also stated that a medical is scheduled for Wednesday: “if Mathias Olivera passes the medical tomorrow, he will be a Napoli player.”
Although Napoli could remain interested in Hickey, they may not be as desperate to complete a deal once the Olivera move goes through. That could mean less competition for Arsenal in what promises to be a difficult transfer battle for the Bologna star.
Only time will tell, but as someone who's known to be two-footed, Hickey will provide cover on both defensive flanks. Given Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury concerns in the 2021/22 season, having somebody who can operate in either full-back position will considerably help Arteta.
