Newcastle United target makes ‘future’ claim as West Ham edge Spurs in £40m chase and Fulham name Mitrovic price

Kieran Tierney has revealed he will keep ‘working hard’ as speculation over his future at Arsenal continues to dominate the headlines.

The Scotland international made 15 starts in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side last season as the Gunners made an unexpected but ultimately unsuccessful push for the Premier League title. However, only six of those starts came in the league as Oleksandr Zinchenko’s form following his move from Manchester City ensured Tierney was forced into a back-up role.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Celtic have all been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent months, but Tierney has insisted he will leave any decisions over his future to others and focus on doing whatever he can to help Arteta build on a promising season.

He told The Athletic: “It’s not really up to me [my future]. I’m happy, I’m working hard every day and getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can.

“You can’t play every single game, every single season, every single year. I don’t expect that and I still made a lot of appearances last year. I was ready every game and working 100 per cent. I think everyone in there would agree with that, that I never give less than that whether I’m playing or not. In the games I did play I tried to do my best for the team. I came off the bench a lot last season, whether that was to see games out or help get a goal.”

The 3AM Verdict: There is no doubt Tierney has the talent and ability to become a key part of Mikel Arteta’s side once again. The Gunners will hope to progress in a number of competitions and it seems likely Tierney will get more opportunities to shine - but whether that is enough to keep him at the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen.

London rivals make move for Chelsea star

Elsewhere, West Ham United are reportedly ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Evening Standard have claimed Chelsea’s interest in Ajax star Mohammed Kudus means England midfielder Gallagher, valued at around £40 million, will be deemed as ‘surplus to requirement’s at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino continues putting his own stamp on the Blues’ squad.

Tottenham have been strongly linked with a move for the former Crystal Palace loan star - but the report has stated it is West Ham that will ‘push ahead of Spurs’ in the race for his services as they look to spend some of the reported £105million fee they received from Arsenal for Declan Rice.

Spurs see Gallagher as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has reportedly asked the club to allow him to join La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. However, it is the Hammers that seem to have the edge as David Moyes looks to sign the 23-year-old after making an unsuccessful bid last summer.

The 3AM Verdict: Given his energy, drive and ability on the ball, Gallagher seems to be the perfect Mauricio Pochettino midfielder. However, it seems highly likely he could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer and his addition could be a welcome boost for David Moyes as he looks to fill the Declan Rice-shaped hole in the middle of his side.

Cottagers reveal Mitro demands

Fulham are reportedly becoming ‘increasingly resigned’ to authorising the departure of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, and could agree to a deal that would represent a club record sale.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are believed to have made two unsuccessful bids for the former Newcastle United and Anderlecht frontman, who is currently training alone during the Cottagers’ trip to the United States.

Football Insider have revealed Fulham are ‘keen to maximise’ the fee they will receive from any potential deal and would demand around £50million before they allow their frontman to leave the club this summer.

The 3AM Verdict: Mitrovic has been a fine signing for the Cottagers and the deal has worked for both parties after the Serbian striker’s career looked to be drifting at Newcastle United prior to his move to Craven Cottage. As such, Fulham are right to demand as much as they can for such a key player and should not budge from their stance, even though the striker is reportedly agitating for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.