Sometimes, even despite frequent links, transfers just don’t come off.
Kieran Tierney, for example, was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United for much of the early part of the year and interest was again reported earlier this week.
The Scotland international, having lost his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko at Arsenal, looked a logical target.
Experienced at the top level and only 26 years of age, Eddie Howe was even believed to have been keen to sign him and turn Dan Burn back into a central defender.
Now, however, a move looks completely off the cards.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have no plans to sell Kieran Tierney
Indeed, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta shot down any suggestion the club could look to sell the former Celtic left-back.
Following an injury to summer signing Jurrien Timber, Arsenal will now seemingly keep a hold of Tierney even despite his lack of involvement in the first-team.
“Well, he played the [Community Shield], no? So, a player that played five days before in the final is part of the plans, for sure”, said Arteta at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.
“There are not any plans on doing anything like that.”
Newcastle appear to have moved on
While disappointing to hear Tierney won’t be leaving Arsenal, it seems Newcastle have moved on.
The club are believed to have agreed a £28m fee with Chelsea for Lewis Hall, who looks increasingly likely to become the final summer signing in what has been a hugely productive window.
Newcastle have added quality to their midfield, strength in their attack and depth (pending Hall’s arrival) in both full-back positions.
To do that while dealing with FFP constraints has to be seen as a remarkably successful window.
With more quality numbers in the squad, battling across a number of fronts this season seems much less daunting.
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