Newcastle United £30m transfer target enjoys weekend visit to St James’ Park

One of Newcastle United’s summer transfer targets helped Arsenal to a 2-0 victory at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Kieran Tierney, who has attracted interest from the Magpies and Aston Villa, was introduced on the hour-mark in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back as the Gunners moved within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

If it were to be an audition then the Scotland international certainly impressed. He kept Miguel Almiron quiet and played a part in Arsenal’s second goal by intercepting a pass in the build-up.

Eddie Howe is keen to sign a full-back as an alternative option to Dan Burn and Matt Targett. Burn is a recognised centre-half but has played most of the campaign there, while Targett has been restricted to just five Premier League starts.

Tierney is understood to be open to leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season having made just one league start since Boxing Day. His substitute appearance against United was his 19th of the season.

An offer of around £30million could convince Arsenal to sell their current second-choice left-back.

Tierney moved to North London from Celtic for £25million in 2019. The 25-year-old has struggled with injuries during that time but has remained fit and available throughout the 2022-23 season.

Asked if Tierney could leave in the near future, Arteta said in March: “I don’t know, I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking about what’s best for the team, obviously, and the players with the right to play minutes which they all deserve and we’re going to try to do that in the next couple of games.”

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.