Bologna sporting director warns Arsenal over Aaron Hickey transfer pursuit but leaves door open

Strengthening central midfield and the forward line is imperative for Arsenal in this window, but signing a left-back to compete or even displace Kieran Tierney is also important.

Nuno Tavares was acquired for a fee believed to be in the region of £7 million, and to say the 22-year-old had a rather turbulent first season in north London is an understatement.

The Portuguese defender delivered some strong performances earlier on in the season against the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester and Watford, but since the turn of the new year, he struggled when called into action, demonstrating plenty of rawness within his game, particularly in deeper areas.

A loan elsewhere where he will be given consistent game time seems logical, with Atalanta reportedly interested in his profile.

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With regards to incomings, Arsenal have been heavily linked with Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey, although a formal offer is yet to be submitted.

Interestingly, the president of the Italian club, Marco Di Vaio has stated that Hickey could leave this summer but has warned clubs that inadequate offers will be deemed unacceptable.