The Gunners were heavily linked with the Bologna star in recent months.
Indeed, speculation in May suggested Arsenal were closing in on Hickey’s signing. Arsenal have all-but missed out on the signing of Aaron Hickey this summer. Calciomercato claimed at the time that the Gunners had won the race to sign the 20-year-old.
However, speculation linking Arsenal and Hickey cooled down over the past few weeks.Brentford then emerged as potential suitors for the Scotland international.
And now, it looks as though the Bees have beaten Arsenal to the player’s signature.
Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to claim that the deal has been “confirmed” and an official statement is due “soon”.
Hickey has completed his medical tests with the West Londoners and has penned a five-year contract, he added.
Brentford have reportedly paid €22m (around £18.7m) including add-ons to Bologna.
Deal confirmed, official soon. Aaron Hickey has completed medical tests this week and so he’s now set to be announced as new Brentford player. ⚪️?? #BrentfordFC
Hickey signs until June 2027 – €22m add ons included to Bologna. pic.twitter.com/TtbOkQDFcL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2022
Kieran Tierney is currently Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back at Arsenal. Nuno Tavares is Tierney’s deputy, though he struggled at times last season. Admittedly, left-back is not the highest priority for Arsenal.
However, given Tavares’ mixed maiden season at the Emirates, Arteta may well want more support in that position.