In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, renowned journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Newcastle United are still keen on recruiting Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney this summer. Jacobs said,
“Kieran Tierney is one to watch as far as left-backs are concerned at Newcastle. There’s been a long-standing interest.
“Arsenal have to understand whether Tierney is happy with his diminished game-time and prepared to stay at the club or, alternatively, would like to go somewhere where he might be a starting left-back.
“Until the player decides, Newcastle won’t move in any kind of concrete sense. But there’s also a possibility that Tierney is available in the market.
“I would expect Newcastle to move for a left-back because there’s a starting spot potentially available even though Dan Burn is liked and popular at the football club.”
Tierney’s Important Role In Arsenal’s Squad Last Season
Tierney had a decent campaign at the North London club as he played an important role in Mikel Arteta’s match-day squad. The 26-year-old found the back of the net once and secured a couple of assists in 36 matches for Arsenal last season across various competitions.
The Douglas-born talent made most of his appearances off the bench which explains why he only averaged 0.7 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 0.7 clearances and 0.3 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 78.1% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Is Tierney A Good Option For Newcastle United?
Tierney is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger quickly to secure the ball back for his team on the defensive third of the pitch. He can even deliver some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty box.
The Scottish talent needs more first-team starts if he wants to progress as a footballer. Hence, he might welcome a switch to Newcastle United during this summer transfer window.
Tierney is good enough to fight for a regular starting spot in Eddie Howe‘s first XI next season. Thus, it makes sense for the Magpies to move in for him this summer. At 26, the Scotland international’s best years are ahead of him which makes him a good option for the Tyneside club in this off-season.
