Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle United, but sanctioning this move could be a huge mistake....CONTINUE READING
Tierney has struggled for game time since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Mikel Arteta has preferred Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and even Jakub Kiwior ahead of him in recent months.
The former Celtic star could be set for a move this summer, but earlier reports indicated that whilst both Real Sociedad and Newcastle are interested in the 26-year-old, they were keen on a loan move rather than a permanent deal.
Letting Tierney join Newcastle, who finished in the top four last season, on a loan move, would be a poor outcome for a number of reasons. Timber is now feared to have picked up a long-term knee injury, and losing two options in one summer would be far from ideal.
Although the Scotland international has struggled for starts, he has delivered a number of strong cameo performances off the bench, and remains Arsenal’s only ‘natural’ fullback in style, as a player who thrives going forward and delivering crosses.
Zinchenko has described him as “amazing,” and despite his lack of minutes, there is no doubt that he is an excellent player at his best.
Loaning Tierney to Newcastle is a bad idea
Tierney’s status as a valuable asset makes him a player Arsenal could potentially earn a lot of money from, but a loan deal would see this money come in later if there is an obligation or option to buy.
The left-back could also help improve Newcastle. Given their status as a club that will likely challenge for a top-four spot, they should be considered a direct competitor to Arsenal when it comes to transfers.
Weakening Arsenal’s depth, whilst significantly strengthening another domestic rival, with no immediate financial gain therefore sees nothing but negative outcomes should this move happen.
If Arsenal do receive a significant permanent offer this summer, then that may come under consideration, although Timber’s injury does raise questions if that would still be a good sale, but a loan move should not even be on the table for Tierney….READFULL
