Arsenal face transfer battle for Bologna defender Aaron Hickey with Newcastle and Brentford entering race

ARSENAL face fierce competition in their quest to sign Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.

The Gunners have been linked with the £21million-rated teenager ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Arsenal like Hickey's versatility, with the Scot having played at left-back and right-back this term - as well as at wing-back on both flanks.

The North Londoners are facing competition from the likes of Newcastle and Napoli to sign the 19-year-old.

But according to the Mail, it is Brentford that are pushing hardest to sign him.

The Bees have long held an interest in the former Hearts star.

They are now ready to turn their admiration into a concrete offer.

Arsenal's position higher up the table than Brentford won't guarantee them Hickey's signature.

In 2019, he rejected Bayern Munich in order to join Bologna in a £1.5m deal.

He has since thrived, making 47 appearances for the Serie A club as a teen.

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Hickey has scored five goals this season from defence.

His form earned him an international debut earlier this year.

The Scottish ace earned his first two senior caps under Steve Clarke, in matches against Poland and Austria.

He will hope to be in contention to play in the Tartan Army's crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine next month.

His chances will be bolstered by Arsenal star Kieran Tierney's injury.