Newcastle United remain confident of striking a deal for Kieran Tierney - and Declan Rice's move to Arsenal may actually play a big role in the Magpies landing the left-back.
Mikel Arteta is plotting a major revamp at the Emirates with the potential arrival of Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park. A double signing of that magnitude means Arsenal must to balance the books, with Granit Xhaka, Folarin Balogun, Cedric Soares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Charlie Patino and Nicolas Pepe all expected to be moved on.
Tierney is another who is surplus to requirements in the capital but the Gunners are hoping a bidding war will drive up his price this summer. Chronicle Live understands Newcastle remain confident of reaching an agreement a deal for the Scottish international, who Eddie Howe rates highly.
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Tierney has family ties north of the border with sources close to the player suggesting a return up north appeals to the player. Newcastle will continue to negotiate in the hope Arsenal drop their asking price despite needing significant revenue from player sales.
Tierney has fallen out of favour under Arteta after Oleksandr Zinchenko's impressive season. Injury struggles haven't helped matters but an end of season snub that saw centre-back Jakub Kiwior start at out of position at left-back has increased calls for the 25-year-old to seek a fresh start.
Manchester City have previously enquired about the Arsenal man, while Serie A clubs have also cast an eye over his game time in north London. Aston Villa are another side pushing for a deal due to Unai Emery's relationship with the player.
A new left-back is near the top of Howe's shopping list this summer as Newcastle attempt to ensure their disruption of the 'Big Six' isn't temporary. Dan Burn has filled the role superbly in recent months, while Matt Targett has hardly put a foot wrong himself since arriving from Aston Villa.
Newcastle continue to chase the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, as well as other recently relegated options. A move for Dominik Szoboszlai may prove too expensive should RB Leipzig refuse to drop their valuation.
