Arsenal eye £18m Nuno Tavares replacement as Mikel Arteta makes summer transfer decision

They are currently targetting Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey after witnessing his impressive performances in Serie A. Hickey transferred to Bologna from Hearts in 2020. Since then, he has had 11 Serie A appearances during his first season at the club. 

Hickey is a player who can handle both left and right-back positions. He has won plaudits in Italy and abroad after concluding an impressive campaign at the club. He has become a vital member of the defence side after making 33 league appearances, netting five goals and delivering an assist in the process.

Arteta is keen on developing his defence.

Meanwhile, Gunners' interim boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his left side. He is hunting for a versatile left-sided defender attributing to Kieran Tierney's disruptive knee surgery and Takehiro Tomiyasu's calf issues interfering with the players' penchant for consistency. It is said that Cedric Soares is content at the Emirates Stadium which means he might not leave. However, Nuno Tavares' unreliable performance has become the subject matter of discussion. Bologna is reportedly offering around €20million for Hickey, who will leave the club in 2024.

Arsenal wants to retain Eddie Nketiah before his contract expires in June, and he decides to depart. Nketiah is Arsenal's primary weapon for attack overshadowing senior striker Alexandre Lacazette. The 23-year-old has been a part of Arsenal since he was 15 years old. After his current deal concludes, a flurry of UK and European teams are expected to approach the former England Under-21 forward. 

Nketiah is at crossroads about his future.

Nketiah will refrain from deciding his future until the end of the season. He might stay back due to his gradually increasing game time, but it is also to be noted that Arsenal wants to sign two forwards this summer. Gabriel Jesus is still their first choice as technical director Edu is already said to have established correspondence with the Brazilian representatives. Nketiah revealed to the Beautiful Game Podcast: "There have been offers of a new contract, but at the moment, my aim is to play football and play regularly." His ambition, for now, is to play consistently, but his attachment to Arsenal is hard to ignore. 

Nketiah has decided to focus on the current season until May and make sure he finishes satisfactorily. After that, he would use his experience to figure out the path ahead and grow. He feels as if the five years he spent in the club have partially defined his contract there. He was 18 when he first walked in, and ever since, he has only played for the Emirates except for a six-month gap where he was out on loan.