Aston Villa sent Kieran Tierney transfer verdict amid Arsenal exit link

Aston Villa will be making a “great signing” if they land reported target Kieran Tierney from Arsenal.

The Scottish full-back looks set to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Villa and Newcastle United among the teams linked as boss Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad in the transfer window. Arsenal favourite Ray Parlour believes Tierney would be “great” for Villa, and explained why the former Celtic man’s career in north London has not worked out quite as he would have hoped.

“Kieran’s Arsenal career has been a bit frustrating for him,” Parlour told JBI Training. “I really like the lad, I’ve spoken to him on many occasions, and he has really tried to do his best whenever he’s been in the team. He’s had some injury problems as well, which hasn’t helped him.

“The way that Mikel Arteta sets up his team, with Zinchenko moving into the midfield, he seems to a better fit for the manager. You can’t ask Tierney to perform that Zinchenko role – he is an out-and-out left-sided player that loves to get forward and hug the touchline. Sometimes certain players don’t click in certain teams.

“If Tierney were to join Newcastle, I think he would be a great signing for them. Arsenal will need to balance the books this summer. If a player isn’t happy with his situation at the club or feels he should be starting more games, then sometimes you need to move them on.

“I think if you wanted to use a word to sum up Kieran’s time at the club it would be frustrating. He’s suffered some nasty injuries that have stopped him from holding down a starting place in the team. He is a top player and a top guy. Whichever club he joins if he does leave will be getting a brilliant player.”