Newcastle United are now expected to sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal this summer after weeks of speculation that the Magpies were keen on the Scotland international.
A report from The Times analysing Arsenal‘s potential transfer activity this summer has made mention of the links between Newcastle and Kieran Tierney as they suggest that Arsenal need a left-back: They [Arsenal] also need a full back and have tracked Martín Zubimendi, of Real Sociedad. Takehiro Tomiyasu could be out until September after knee surgery and will participate in the Asian Cup in January next year, while Kieran Tierney is expected to move to Newcastle United.
Unfortunately this elevation from link to expected has come off the back of Roy Keane holding Tierney to account for Brighton’s first goal against Arsenal on Sunday, however, as I’ve said before, one poor performance does not a poor player make.
Kieran Tierney’s arrival could spell trouble for Matt Targett
Newcastle are looking to add options at left back as they’ve used centre back Dan Burn in that position for most of the season, despite having made Matt Targett‘s loan move permanent in the summer. Due to injuries and Burn’s superb form, Targett has been restricted to just 17 appearances this season, amassing just 662 minutes overall.
It’s unclear whether Targett will be moved on after this season, it would certainly be harsh on him if he was, but it definitely feels like he’ll once again be playing second-fiddle next season to whomever Newcastle bring in, which it looks like will be Tierney.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The 25-year-old Scot, described as ‘immense‘ by the Daily Record has impressed at times for Arsenal since his £25million switch from Arsenal, but a quick look on Twitter would suggest that he’s not done enough to convince all of the Toon Army.
Personally I’m excited by the thought of Tierney at Newcastle, but I do share some trepidation regarding his injury record. That, for me, is another reason why we should definitely hold on to Targett.
Newcastle need a player like Tierney for Europe next season
As good as Tierney is, we will definitely need solid cover for when he is inevitably sidelined.
When you remove that injury worry from the equation, Newcastle are getting a young full back with a wealth of experience. He’s won titles with Celtic, played in the Champions League, is an established international. He’s got pace to burn, is great at getting forward but also solid defensively (if you ignore Sunday).
A price of £30million has been quoted recently, but I think Newcastle will get that down a few million if they haggle well. I reckon as long as Arsenal recoup their outlay they’ll be happy.