Arsenal set Tierney asking price as Newcastle interest in defender is ‘genuine’

Ben Jacobs has revealed how much Arsenal would be looking to sell Kieran Tierney for as Newcastle’s interest is described as ‘genuine’.

as Eddie Howe is keen on bolstering his defensive options.

Due to injuries and the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko, the Scottish defender has only started in four Premier League games this season.

Jacobs has given has provided an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of the player and has outlined how much Arsenal would be looking to sell him for.

“Tierney held face-to-face talks with Arteta to better understand his future and was encouraged to fight for his place,” Jacobs explained in his exclusive CaughtOffside column.

“So an exit is not guaranteed. Even Arteta is still undecided whether to let him go, but it will also come down to whether Tierney is satisfied to be a squad player.

“Arsenal would demand a fee in excess of the £25m they paid Celtic in 2019. £35-40m is probably the starting point, especially given Tierney is healthily contracted until 2026. Let’s not forget he was Real Madrid-linked for £50m only a year ago.

“Newcastle’s interest is genuine. Left-back is an area Eddie Howe knows he needs to strengthen. I am told Tierney ideally wants European football still, which should rule out Aston Villa despite some links.

“Villa boss Unai Emery was the manager who brought Tierney to Arsenal, so it’s natural he’s keeping tabs on the situation.”

Newcastle have been the strongest defensive outfit in the Premier League this season, having only conceded 18 goals so far.

, although he should also consider staying at Arsenal.

“I think Newcastle could be a good fit for anyone,” Barnes told indiabetting.co.in. “They’re a progressive team, they’re playing really well and they’re looking to go forward now.

“They’re not looking to buy superstar players just because they’ve got loads of money.

“He’s an Arsenal player and Arsenal is a good fit for him. Of course they have Zinchenko who is playing in Tierney’s position right now, but I don’t see why at this particular point of time he would want to leave Arsenal.”

The 25-year-old would likely be handed more opportunities at Newcastle, but it would surely be tough to leave a side on the up like Arsenal right now.