Hickey arrived at the Italian club in the summer of 2020, but after only making eleven appearances last term in the league has become much more integral to the team this season.
He has so far made 33 appearances for Bologna in the league, scoring five goals, missing only two games to become their undisputed first choice at left-back.
His impressive displays have seen him become a target for the Villans but they have competition in the form of the Gunners.
Aston Villa were taking things easy in regards to their pursuit of the left-back, but having learned of Arsenal’s interest, they are now on alert.
Aston Villa are fearful that the Gunners will pip them to the signing of Hickey and are ready to press the accelerator in the chase.
The Villans want to step up talks with Bologna in their bid to secure the left-back’s signature and deprive the Gunners of their target.
Hickey has a contract until the summer of 2024 at the Serie A club and it remains to be seen if the Villans are able to beat the Gunners in the race for the left-back.
