Talks Between Arsenal And Burnley Hit Stumbling Block As Ballard Move Breaks Down

Daniel Ballard’s permanent move to Burnley has broken down, reports the Athletic. 

The Hale End graduate has undergone multiple successful loan spells in recent years, and Burnley had been looking to swoop in for his services. 

With competition for places so intense at centre-back, the Gunners decided to cash in on Ballard.

They had agreed a fee with Burnley for the 22-year-old too.

Ballard was a regular at Millwall during his loan spell, making 30 appearances at The Den last season.

However, in what is a massive blow to the recently relegated club, the Northern Ireland international failed to agree terms with the side from Lancashire. 

Talks were reportedly at an incredibly advanced stage between the player and club.

Recently appointed manager Vincent Kompany was believed to be fundamental in convincing the Arsenal youngster to depart from the Emirates. 

Despite not having made an appearance for Arsenal, Ballard has become a fully-fledged international whilst away from London Colney, tallying up 15 international caps.

Whilst a talented youngster, Arteta and co. were happy to sign off on his permanent departure.

Arsenal have a wealth of options at centre-back, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White the current first-choice options.

Mikel Arteta's starting two are both just 24-years-old so the opportunities in the future will likely be limited.

William Saliba is also expected to return to the club, adding further young competition to Arsenal's back-line.

The young French defender is also progressing in contract negotiations with the club.

Those contract negotiations combined with the pursuit of Lisandro Martinez means that even if the Burnley move has fallen through, his future at the club is uncertain. 

Ballard will no doubt generate interest in spite of his move falling through, with Blackpool and Millwall seeing first-hand the talents of the towering defender. 

Multiple championship clubs are thought to be interested in recruiting the defender.

As things stand, the 22-year-old will be returning to London Colney for preseason, along with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey who have recovered from their season-ending injuries. However Arsenal and Ballard will likely be watching the window with interest over the coming weeks.