Almost Done:Newcastle United have remained in contact over a deal for Arsenal man

Newcastle United have remained in contact over a deal for Kieran Tierney throughout the summer but a deal for the Arsenal man is difficult.

Kieran Tierney remains a key target for Newcastle United but a deal for the Arsenal man looks tricky to say the least.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who claims that Newcastle have been in contact to try and sign Tierney all summer.

Eddie Howe is understood to be a fan of Tierney and discussions have been maintained for months now.

The problem is that Newcastle allegedly want a loan deal with an obligation to buy in order to avoid Financial Fair Play issues.

Arsenal want a straight sale and Downie describes Newcastle’s intentions as ‘not easy’ because the Gunners are so set on cashing in.

Downie does though add that Arsenal are sympathetic to Tierney’s desire for first-team football away from North London.

Tierney allegedly understands what a huge decision he faces now as he looks to get his career back on track with a move away this summer.

Tierney was Arsenal’s first-choice left back not that long ago having joined from Celtic for £25million in 2019.

The arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer completely changed Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach.

Zinchenko is so effective when tucking into midfield from his left back spot, aiding Arsenal’s build-up play in the process.

That isn’t Tierney’s game at all and it has become clear that the Scot just doesn’t have a role to play in Arteta’s side anymore.

Tierney wasn’t even in the matchday squad to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon; he wasn’t injured, just not picked.

After a season of mostly sitting on the Arsenal bench, Tierney can’t afford to waste another year in the same manner.

It’s time for Tierney to move on and a switch Newcastle – with Champions League football to offer – should be ideal.

Tierney – praised as ‘top-class’ by ex-Arsenal man Ray Parlour – will surely be hoping that Newcastle can find some kind of agreement soon in order to get him playing again.