- Gunners eyeing Belgium international
- Have opened talks with Leicester
- Foxes suffered relegation in 2022/23
WHAT HAPPENED? Arsenal are aiming to take advantage of Leicester’s relegation by striking a deal for Castagne, who has been identified as a potential target for the right-back position, per Sacha Tavolieri. The Gunners are also keen on Ivan Fresneda, of Valladolid, and Castagne is seen as an alternative.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Leicester may have gone down but Castagne was a key player, playing 37 times in the league, and he is also an experienced international with 31 caps for Belgium under his belt. Arsenal are looking to strengthen after finishing second in the table and have also been linked with a shock swoop to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City.
AND WHAT’S MORE: Leicester may see a clutch of stars leave this summer, with Castagne not the only likely departure. James Maddison has been linked with a move in this window, as has Harvey Barnes. Youri Tielemans has already departed, agreeing a deal to join Aston Villa on a free transfer.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL? They will aim to strengthen this summer, and are next in action on July 13 against Nurnberg in a pre-season friendly.
Newcastle United ready to open talks to sign £35 million-rated Arsenal star
Newcastle United are ready to start negotiations to sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal, who reportedly value him at £35 million.
According to Dean Jones via Give Me Sport, Newcastle United could begin negotiations with Arsenal for Kieran Tierney. The Newcastle United ready to open talks to sign £35 million-rated full-back could leave the North London side after losing his place in the first team.
Kieran Tierney’s future will conclude this summer, as the left-back seems destined to leave Arsenal. The Scotsman lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup after the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has transformed the position altogether.
At times when Zinchenko was unavailable, Arteta has not fully trusted Tierney to take up the deputy role. In some big games, the manager has preferred other stars, which casts doubts over his long-term future. For months now, Newcastle United have been linked with a move.
Eddie Howe will take his team into the UEFA Champions League next season, which may require a larger squad with quality players in each position. Dan Burn has predominantly played as a left-back, which has suited the Magpies. But, the manager might look at another option to complete the profile.
Newcastle United have been leading the race for quite a long and is expected to make a concrete approach in the summer. Contrasting reports have mentioned different price tags. But Dean Jones insists Arsenal could do business for £35 million.
Jones also reckoned Newcastle United could begin negotiations with Arsenal over a move. He said, “I think that they’re confident that the competition isn’t too fierce. They’ve definitely got competitors for him, but I think they’ll be looking to get this one done as soon as they can, just so they know they can focus on other areas.”
With Newcastle United the front runners, there is plenty of optimism they could conclude a deal for Tierney. It is ideal for both sides to get it done fast, especially for Arsenal, who would love to inject some cash early on. The Magpies also have other requirements, as some may take plenty of time before completion.
There were rumours of interest from Manchester City in Tierney. But at present, he might also look forward to joining Newcastle United. As for his price, Arsenal could potentially ask for more, but in this market, £35 million may seem reasonable for a player of his experience.
It is a beneficial deal for all parties, with Tierney likely to take on a more important role at St. James’ Park. Arsenal may look for a replacement, but late-season experiments with Jakub Kiwior in the position may force Arteta to use the Pole more as a left-back next season.
