According to latest reports, the proposed move for Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard to Burnley has broken down due to disagreements during the negotiations. The centre-back has been looking to seal a move away from the Emirates Stadium but has failed.
Daniel Ballard is considered as one of the brightest prospects of the Hale End academy, but is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners. However, he has been impressive in his loan spells with the last two clubs – Millwall and Blackpool.
The 22-year-old became a regular at Millwall, making the Championship side push for a permanent deal this summer. The defender chipped in with a solitary goal in 30 appearances (stats via Transfermarkt) in the Championship. Ballard also excelled defensively during his stint with Blackpool. He has even put in top-notch performances for the Ireland national football team, gathering positive reviews.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the North London side have agreed to sell Ballard permanently this summer after holding talks with the player’s representatives. However, the club would be willing to let the player leave only if they receive a suitable offer.
Several sources were suggestive that the Clarets had entered into advanced talks with the Gunners last week. According to The Sun, Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard was poised to be the first signing for new Burnley manager Vincent Kompany. The price was set in the region of £2m.
However, as reported by The Athletic, the potential move for the defender to Turf Moor has collapsed. Daniel Ballard was in Burnley to undergo medical but terms could not be agreed and the deal broke down. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether the disagreements happened over personal terms or club-to-club clauses.
Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard was reportedly very close to joining Vincent Kompany's Burnley squad but the deal has now fallen through. ❌
The reports were that a £2million move was close but the Gunners will now look to move him on elsewhere. ➡️#AFC #Arsenal #Burnley pic.twitter.com/fUMf441mqd
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) June 27, 2022
This news will be a big blow for Vincent Kompany. The Belgian manager played a key role in convincing the 22-year-old centre-back to move to Turf Moor. The Clarets have already lost the services of centre-back James Tarkowski and Ben Mee in this summer transfer window.
The Championship side are in continuous search of new recruits who could reinforce their backline ahead of the new season. The thought of working with one of the best young and promising centre-backs in the English top-flight itself sounds exciting. But unfortunately, that dream seems to have gone up in smoke as a deal could not be struck between the clubs.
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Meanwhile, the North London club currently have the services of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, Rob Holding, and William Saliba in the first-team squad. They will be participating in the Premier League, Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Cup in the 2022/23 season.
The Gunners will need more centre-backs so that they can rotate and keep the players fresh for every match in evry competition. Therefore, it will be a tough decision to make for both Ballard and Arsenal before they settle on a definite outcome.
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