Reporter shares why Newcastle are more likely to sign Kieran Tierney than Aston Villa

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Newcastle United are interested in signing Kieran Tierney from Arsenal this summer, but could face competition from Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s side have also been linked, but journalist Ben Jacobs has explained why a move to Newcastle is much more likely for Tierney.

The left-back could be on the move at the end of the season, with his Arsenal future currently up in the air. He is no longer first choice at the Emirates, and is spending a lot of time on the bench.

That could force him to leave the Gunners very soon, with Eddie Howe keen to bring him to Tyneside. It has been reported that Tierney is Newcastle’s top left-back target, and that Howe is a huge fan of the 25-year-old.

The Magpies would love to sign him this summer, and it sounds like that is more likely than joining Aston Villa.

Kieran Tierney wants European football

In his latest column for Caught Offside, Ben Jacobs has commented on Tierney’s future at Arsenal.

“Newcastle’s interest is genuine,” he writes.

“Left-back is an area Eddie Howe knows he needs to strengthen.

“I am told Tierney ideally wants European football still, which should rule out Aston Villa despite some links. Villa boss Unai Emery was the manager who brought Tierney to Arsenal, so it’s natural he’s keeping tabs on the situation.”

Newcastle more likely to sign him than Aston Villa

While Villa aren’t going to be able to offer Tierney European football, Newcastle should. The Magpies are currently fifth in the league with 13 games to go, and still have a very real chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Regardless, it looks like European qualification is on the cards for Eddie Howe’s side, even if it means playing in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.

That should make a move to the North East even more appealing for Tierney. It has already been reported that he could be tempted to join Newcastle, and European qualification could give us an even better chance.

He will get European football if he stays at Arsenal, but it looks like it is time for him to leave. He is no longer a guaranteed starter, with Oleksandr Zinchenko taking his place in the side.

But he should be able to walk into Howe’s Newcastle XI, and potentially represent the Magpies in Europe. However, a move to Aston Villa would mean no football overseas.