Kieran Tierney remains a key target for Newcastle United this summer, despite Arsenal driving a hard bargain for the left-back.

ChronicleLive report that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is still a key target for Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, and he’s set to command a fee of £30m+.

The Telegraph had previously reported the same asking price, with various sources claiming that clubs appear to be putting a “Newcastle tax” on their valuations, demanding more money from the Saudi Arabian-owned club than other interested parties.

But in Tierney’s case, the fee makes sense. Newcastle are trying to rival Arsenal in the top four and the Champions League, and Tierney has other interest from Aston Villa, as well as a long contract in north London.

Arsenal are under no obligation to sell to Newcastle, and they’ll want to be properly compensated if they do.

Reports from last month suggested Newcastle had put together three distinct transfer plans for the summer – one without European football, one with Europa League/Conference League, and one with Champions League football.

Tierney is understood to feature highly on the third list, and Newcastle subsequently confirmed their qualification to next season’s Champions League.

As a result, Tierney is expected to be one of Eddie Howe’s top targets in the current window.

Back in March, the Evening Standard claimed Tierney was open to a move to Newcastle this summer, assuming his game-time with Arsenal didn’t improve before then.

Though the defender hasn’t necessarily been a starter for Arsenal this season, he’s still a key part of the squad, making 36 appearances in all competitions.

But Oleksandr Zinchenko is the first-choice left-back at the moment, limiting Tierney to just six Premier League starts.