Arsenal’s issues at left-back this past season have been well documented, whilst the quality and character of Kieran Tierney has never been called into question his injury record certainly has. The Scotland international has only made 22 Premier League appearances this term and the Gunners have struggled to replace him.
Nuno Tavares has deputised in his absence but has struggled, and was withdrawn by Mikel Arteta after just 34 minutes in the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest in January. He was also taken off at half-time during the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, further emphasising the point that adequate back-up/competition for Tierney is needed.
One left-back that has continually been linked with a move to the club is Bologna’s Aaron Hickey. The 19-year-old joined the Serie A side from Scottish club Hearts in the summer of 2020, earning rave reviews for his versatility, composure and defensive awareness.
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Hickey can also operate on the right and left of midfield as well as right-back and in total has made 47 appearances for Bologna scoring five goals. His impressive form in Italy has led to him being likened in terms of playing style to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson.
His contract at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara runs until the summer of 2024, and Bologna could well be tempted to cash in on the highly-rated left back to prevent him entering the final year of his deal. Hickey could be tempted to test his skills at a higher level and has also been linked with moves to AC/Inter Milan as well as Juventus.
With that said, is there a place for Hickey in Arteta's starting XI? Here, we take a look at how Arsenal could line up next season with the Bologna left-back in the side:
GK: Aaron Ramsdale
RB: Takerhiro Tomiyasu
CB: Ben White
CB: Gabriel
LB: Aaron Hickey
RCM: Thomas Partey
LCM: Granit Xhaka
RM: Bukayo Saka
CAM: Martin Odegaard
LM: Emile Smith Rowe
ST: Gabriel Martinelli
