Former Scotland forward Andy Walker has urged Chelsea to make a move for Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey, suggesting he could follow Billy Gilmour’s lead in making his mark in the Stamford Bridge first-team.
The 18-year-old has also been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Man City, but Walker says he would be a ‘great option’ for Frank Lampard as he looks to address his squad’s weakness at left-back.
The Blues boss is unconvinced by Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri and is reportedly keen on a big money move for Leicester and England star Ben Chilwell.
Hickey, who has just one year left on his contract, would be available for a fraction of the price, and Walker believes he could emulate Gilmour, who Chelsea prized away from Rangers as a teenager.
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“Even this early in his career, I think Hickey would be a great option for Chelsea,” Walker told Sky Sports.
“There's no doubt in my mind that, in time, Hickey could follow the example of Liverpool's Andrew Robertson or Arsenal's Kieran Tierney and adjust from playing in the Scottish Premiership to thriving in the more demanding English Premier League.
“Given that he would be a very cheap option, in my view it would be worth it for Chelsea to take Hickey now and school him in their coaching system.
“Chelsea will of course realise there are a few gems to be found in Scotland having signed Billy Gilmour from Rangers for no more than a development fee for the Ibrox club.”
