15 August 2023 , 15:19
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Newcastle United are actively pursuing Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney as they look to improve Eddie Howe's squad in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
According to Chronicle Live, there have been recent developments in the Magpies' interest in Tierney, with fresh contact being made regarding the Scotland international. The interest from Newcastle has persisted throughout the summer, despite the challenge posed by Arsenal's £30 million asking price for the 26-year-old.
While Arsenal are open to parting ways with Tierney, they are holding firm on their valuation as he has three years left to run on his contract. The FA Cup winners are aware of their advantageous position in negotiations.
Nevertheless, the Gunners are "seriously looking at an exit plan" for the former Celtic player, who cost them £25 million in 2019. It is claimed Newcastle would be willing to consider a loan package as well as a permanent transfer.
Howe has acknowledged the need for "creativity" in pursuing certain targets before the deadline as the head coach admitted he would like to sign one more player. "It depends on the deal and I think we may have to be creative with this last player," Howe said last week.
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"It means we can’t just go out and slap money on the table and buy a player. We don’t have the resources to do that at the moment with FFP restrictions. It’s about trying to find a different way rather than paying money in the here and now."
Asked if that could mean a loan or structured payments to finalise a signing, Howe responded: "Yes, those types of deals. But they are very difficult deals to do".
Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney is a transfer target for Newcastle (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth, meanwhile, said more players are coming onto the market now that managers have a better idea of what their squads look like. He said: "What tends to happen is pre-season finishes and clubs hold a slightly higher number of players. Players then tend to be released from there, and then you have the domino effect when the season starts and it accelerates."
Tierney was not included in Arsenal's squad for the opening day victory against Nottingham and the report adds that Emirates decision-makers are well aware of Newcastle's interest. It is possible that a structured payment deal could be negotiated, similar to the arrangement the north east club made for Joe Willock's £25 million transfer from the Gunners.
Other clubs expressing interest in Tierney include Aston Villa, Real Sociedad, and Celtic. Sociedad, like Celtic, can offer Tierney Champions League football after finishing fourth in the Spanish league last season.
However, they have only submitted loan offers thus far. Newcastle have previously scouted Tierney, even before the club's recent takeover, and were advised to sign him when he was available for £25 million from Celtic in 2019.
However, the Magpies opted against the move, allowing Arsenal to secure his services. Although Tierney has remained a model professional for Arsenal, it is understood that he desires regular first-team football, which may not be guaranteed under manager Mikel Arteta, who prefers Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.
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