Aston Villa target Unai Emery signed at Arsenal begins ‘talks’ - but Newcastle United lurking

Aston Villa are reportedly attempting to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney in the summer transfer window.

Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Scotsman having been the man to originally bring him to the Emirates Stadium in 2019.

The pair only managed to work with one another for a few months as Emery was relieved of his duties by the Gunners.

Now, though, they could reunite in a new setting entirely as Villa are kickstarting an exciting new project and Tierney has seen his minutes heavily reduced this season.

The Times reports Tierney is already “in talks” with Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta about his future and Villa are in the fight along with Newcastle United.

The Magpies are perhaps more attractive to the defender due to their Champions League status, but Villa’s Europa Conference League qualification certainly helps their own case.

Newcastle currently have Dan Burn and Matt Targett on their books in Tierney’s position, whereas the Villans have Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne.

It’s expected the latter of Villa’s left-backs will depart in the summer but Moreno will still be hoping for a starting place given his scintillating form.

Tierney played just 23% of the minutes available to him in the Premier League throughout 2022-23, not helped by an array of injury issues.

The 25-year-old had far more game time in the two seasons prior, however, and was a key player for Celtic before that, winning five Scottish Premiership titles.