Boyd issues Kieran Tierney verdict as Newcastle United target Arsenal ace

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Kris Boyd claims most managers ‘would be thankful’ to have Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney in their sides. His comments come amid interest from Newcastle United in a transfer.

The 25-year-old has found himself out of favour at Emirates Stadium under Mikel Arteta so far this season. Tierney has had to settle for being their second choice after Arsenal signed Oleksandr Zinchenko last July. He has only started in five of his 22 Premier League matches.

Tierney had been the Gunners’ number one at left-back since his arrival in north London in August 2019. Unai Emery spent £25m to prise the Scotland international from Celtic. While Arsenal chiefs also extended his contract, worth £110k-a-week, to June 2026 in June 2021.

Zinchenko is keeping Tierney out of the Arsenal line-up

But Arteta sought to sign an upgrade on Tierney having seen the 37-cap star suffer a steady stream of injuries. The defender only made 15 appearances during his first campaign in the Premier League. He would make 27 and 22 appearances across his following two full terms.

Tierney has also struggled to show Arteta that he merits a return to the Spaniard’s starting line-up this season. The Hoops product has floundered when given a chance to impact the Gunners’ matches. His crossing is often wayward or mishit and he can be defensively liable.

Newcastle United are interested in a transfer for Tierney

Despite Tierney’s reduced role at Arsenal, Newcastle are interested in his transfer ahead of the summer market. The Athletic reported in March 2023 that the defender is a prominent target for the St James’ Park natives. Magpies chiefs believe he could be an ideal addition.

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe is exploring a transfer for Tierney as the Arsenal defender can be an upgrade on Dan Burn and Matt Targett. Boyd is certainly a fan of what his compatriot can offer. The Rangers hero has no doubt that Tierney would get in most manager’s teams.

Boyd wrote in his column for The Scottish Sun: “Tierney and [Callum] McGregor are top-drawer and most managers would be thankful to have them in their team.”