talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Newcastle United to sign Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney this summer.
The Lowdown: Newcastle interest
It was reported in February that Newcastle are ‘closely monitoring’ Tierney’s situation at Arsenal ahead of a potential move this summer.
They want to sign a brand new starting left-back, and the Scotland international is valued at around £30m.
The Latest: ‘Get it done’
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor has urged the St. James’ Park outfit to sign Tierney this summer, claiming that he would be a ‘top signing’:
“I think he would be a good fit at Newcastle.
“It really hasn’t worked for him at Arsenal.
“He’s probably really considering where he stands right now. He’s not getting a look in when it comes to league games.
“Arsenal are going in a completely different direction to him. He needs to sign for a club where he’s number one.
“That’s not going to happen at Arsenal – ever.
“Zinchenko is the number one, and we’ve even seen Tomiyasu there.
“I just don’t think he’s at the level that Arsenal need. But as a sixth-place player – I think he’d be a top signing. Get it done, Eddie Howe.”
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The Verdict: Why not?
If a player of Tierney’s quality becomes available from a Premier League rival, then the Tynesiders should be taking the opportunity with open arms.
Lauded as a ‘warrior‘ by Arsenal and England legend Ashley Cole, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes per game of all left-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as well as in the 89th for progressive carries, 84th for passes attempted and 81st for non-penalty xG and shots (FBRef).
He would offer much more of an attacking threat than Dan Burn in this sense, who could then slot into a more natural centre-back position while still offering depth on the left.
Nonetheless, Tierney already boasts the top-flight experience, and so should be able to settle in fairly quickly at the Magpies, should he make the move this summer.