Newcastle have been termed ‘favourites’ and ‘on pole position’ for an Arsenal signing that’ll leave Aston Villa empty-handed and wreck a high profile swap involving Man City, per reports.

With a first return to the Champions League since 2003 edging nearer, all eyes will be on how Newcastle attack the summer transfer window.

Reports have speculated Eddie Howe will favour Premier League-based players who will ensure there is no drop-off on the domestic front while also competing in Europe. If said players also have European experience then all the better.

One player who fits that billing is Arsenal left-back, Kieran Tierney. In lieu of losing his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko, speculation has swirled his time at the Emirates is coming to a close.

Indeed, trusted reporter Ben Jacobs previously told TEAMtalk there’s a “very realistic possibility” Tierney leaves Arsenal if the right offer comes in this summer.

Goal listed the 25-year-old among those who could depart at season’s end, while one publication who seem adamant Tierney will make way is Football Insider.

Aston Villa, Man City and Newcastle have all been linked. According to the latest from FI, it’s the Magpies who are tracking to emerge with Tierney among their ranks next year.

Indeed, FI report Newcastle are ‘set to now beat Man City’ to the full-back’s signature. Howe’s side are labelled ‘favourites’ and ‘on pole position’ for the move that previous reports have claimed should cost in the region of £25m-£30m.

Aiding Newcastle’s cause is reportedly Tierney’s desire to to move closer to his family who reside in Scotland. A move to Tyneside would be as good as it gets in that regard if he’s determined to stay in the Premier League.

The prospect of featuring in the UCL – something he hasn’t done while at Arsenal – also appeals to the player. Newcastle look certain to be able to satisfy that demand next season.

Man City deal at risk

Should Newcastle be the ones to land Tierney, a high profile swap deal involving Man City will collapse.

Football Transfers claimed Arsenal and Man City are ‘in talks’ over a swap deal involving Tierney and Joao Cancelo.

Cancelo is out of favour at the Etihad and is expected to move on this summer. Bayern Munich – where he’s currently on loan – will not activate their €70m option to buy despite admiring the player.

The report claimed Cancelo would be installed as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back if signed. His versatility would also allow him to replace Tierney as Zinchenko’s primary back-up on the left.

In return, City would land Tierney who can cover a vast array of positions at the Etihad. Left-back, left centre-back in a three and inverted full-back are all in Tierney’s locker.

However, if Football Insider are correct and Newcastle are primed to win the race, the swap deal involving Cancelo will be resigned to the scrapheap.

READ MORE: Nine players that could leave Arsenal on a permanent deal in the summer: Tierney, Balogun, Nelson…

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