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Arsenal potentially signing Scotland international Aaron Hickey could impact the future of Nuno Tavares, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
THE LOWDOWN: HICKEY INTEREST
According to reports in Italy, Mikel Arteta is interested in signing the 19-year-old, who’s been making strides since swapping the Scottish Premiership for Serie A in 2020.
Outlet 1000 Cuori Rossoblu earlier in May claimed the Gunners were at the front of the queue to make a move for Hickey, who could command a £17m fee.
Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano was speaking on the Que Golazo YouTube channel regarding the future of the Bologna youngster.
He dismissed reports stating a deal had been agreed between both parties, claiming there is no deal in place between the two clubs with initial contact only taking place with Hickey’s agent.
Arteta is indeed keen on his services, with the Arsenal boss seemingly still not totally convinced by 22-year-old Tavares, who endured a mixed first season in English football.
And O’Rourke reckons that signing Hickey this summer could “raise question marks” over his’ position at the club.
THE LATEST: QUESTION MARKS
He told GIVEMESPORT: “He (Hickey) could be a good signing; he’s got real potential, at a really good age as well.
“I expect him to get better, but it would probably raise question marks over the future of Nuno Tavares if he does arrive as well.”
THE VERDICT: MUST BE GIVEN CHANCE
Despite a bright start in the early months of his Arsenal career, it quickly became apparent that the £17m-rated Portuguese star was not going to be the answer at left-back.
Tierney remains first choice, but his injury problems, which have seen him miss 48 games since joining the club less than three years ago, meant that the Portuguese defender had an important job on his hands.
He initially looked the real deal during the early stages of the season and was described by the Gunners manager as ‘exceptional‘. But mistakes started to creep into the youngster’s game as the campaign progressed, which resulted in him being hauled off at half-time on two occasions.
And the former Benfica man, who was noticeably poor against Crystal Palace last month, and in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, which ultimately cost the Gunners a top-four finish, didn’t appear up to the challenge.
However, Tavares must be given the benefit of the doubt seeing as this campaign was his first real taste of English football. With more maturity and development under the Arsenal boss, he may turn out to be a world-beater in the near future.
Considering how many players have struggled to acclimatise themselves to Premier League football when making the move from abroad, Tavares must be given ample time and chance to improve his game and get used to the rigors of such a challenging division. He’s still incredibly young at 22-years-of-age.
AND in other news, “Take opportunities” – £36m-rated “maestro” drops huge transfer hint, amid Arsenal links…
