Newcastle United are the ‘ones to watch’ in the race to sign Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Tierney tempted?
Eddie Howe is reportedly entering the upcoming window on the hunt for a new left-back and has identified the 25-year-old as an ideal candidate to sign on the dotted line at St. James’ Park.
The Gunners star is believed to be frustrated over his lack of Premier League game time under Mikel Arteta this season having lost his starting place to Oleksandr Zinchenko, so his club are now willing to listen to offers.
According to journalist Simon Collings, the Scottish international could be tempted to make the switch to the northeast should his minutes not improve between now and the end of the season.
The Latest: Jacobs’ comments
Speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, Jacobs name-checked Newcastle as the club to keep an eye on in the battle for Tierney. He said:
“If you’re Tierney, you’re thinking about your game time. He’s in his mid-20s. So there is a very realistic possibility that he leaves if the right offer comes in over the course of the summer.
“And that’s where I think Newcastle are the ones to watch because they’ve got Matt Targett and Dan Burn. But anyhow, I understand that Eddie Howe is still looking to strengthen in the left-back position. And if Newcastle make European, or of course in a best-case scenario Champions League football, left-back is definitely the type of area where there’s room for improvement. Tierney may see that as a real opportunity.”
The Verdict: Splash the cash
Tierney has been dubbed an ‘absolute baller’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and Newcastle should absolutely splash the cash to secure his services later in the summer.
The N7 ace is an attack-minded full-back, which is displayed in his numbers in the final third having provided 13 assists and netted five goals during his time at the Emirates Stadium (Transfermarkt).
The Douglas-born talent ranks in the 94th percentile for most progressive passes and the 88th for both progressive carries and shots total, highlighting his desire to get down the flank (FBRef).
Celtic’s former academy graduate also has the ability to operate at centre-back and higher up in midfield, which will be yet another attractive attribute to Howe.
Finally, Tierney shares the same agent as Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo and Elliot Anderson, so this could give the Magpies an advantage when trying to get a deal over the line.