Arsenal see Bologna fullback Aaron Hickey as a replacement for Nuno Tavares.

Edu is eyeing up a move for the £17million-rated Hickey from Bologna to replace the 'disappointing' Tavares at Arsenal, says Corriere de Bologna.

The Italian publication claims that contact between the two clubs over the signing of Hickey is 'imminent'.

Tavares was dropped to the bench against Leeds last weekend with Mikel Arteta favouring natural right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu as a safer option on the left.

The 19-year-old joined the Serie A side in 2020 from Scottish side Hearts and has swiftly impressed in Italy, netting five times and providing one assist in 34 appearances this season.

The Gunners were previously linked to the full back two years ago before he made the move to Bologna for £1.5m.

However, the north London side are set to face competition for his signature, with Brentford, Newcastle and AC Milan also reportedly interested in the youngster, and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte also said to be an admirer.