BRENTFORD have completed the £18million signing of former Arsenal target Aaron Hickey.
The Gunners chased the Scotland international full-back earlier in the summer, as they sought cover for his compatriot Kieran Tierney.
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It is Brentford, however, who have won the race to prise him from Serie A side Bologna.
Upon signing a four-year contract with the Bees, Hickey popped up at his new side’s pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is delighted to have beaten off competition to sign one of his top targets.
He told the club’s official website: “I am very pleased that we have managed to sign Aaron.
“What he has already achieved in his career is very impressive. He is only 20 and has played a full season in Scotland as well as almost two seasons in Serie A.
“We think that Aaron is a player with great potential, who already has an impressive number of games at a good level under his belt.
“We believe that we have proven we are a good club for players to maximise their potential. We think we can help him be even better.
“Aaron is a rare thing in modern football in that he is equally good with both feet.
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“He is technically very sound and is good when he has the ball in tight areas.
“He is an attacking full-back that has good creativity, he is a great crosser of the ball, and scored goals in Serie A last year.
“Having played two years in Italy, we know he will have good defensive traits.
“There are areas to improve and we are looking forward to having him with us so we can be part of his development as a player.”
Hickey, 20, burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Hearts.
After 34 appearances for the Jambos he turned down Bayern Munich to sign for Bologna in a £1.5m deal.
He quickly became a regular in Serie A, playing 48 times and scoring five goals over two seasons in Italy.
Hickey broke into the Scotland national team earlier this year and has so far earned four caps.
