Arsenal's Daniel Ballard Heads To Sunderland To Complete Transfer

Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is on Wearside to complete a permanent transfer to Sunderland, according to reports.

ChronicleLive initially reported on Tuesday that Sunderland were leading the race to sign young centre-back Daniel Ballard from Arsenal.

The report suggested Sunderland were one of a few options for the Northern Ireland international's signature.

Ballard's former loan clubs Millwall and Blackpool were both touted with an interest in bringing the player back, whilst there was also interest from abroad.

But Michael Walker of The Athletic now suggests the decision is made.

Walker reports that Ballard is on Wearside completing his transfer from Arsenal to Sunderland.

As well as Millwall and Blackpool, Sheffield United were also among the clubs hoping to bring the 22-year-old in this summer, but instead he's heading to the north-east.

Recent experience suggests it would be a mistake to assume the move is an absolute done deal.

Just last week, Ballard appeared to be on the way to Burnley, and he even travelled to the town for a medical.

Arsenal had reportedly agreed a fee structure with Burnley, but the deal fell through over personal terms in the final stages.

Reports on the Burnley deal suggested the Gunners were trying to insert both a matching clause and a sell-on clause in Ballard's contract.

The matching clause would allow Arsenal first-refusal on any bid Burnley accepted for the player, giving them the option to sign him back for the same price.

The sell-on clause would simply allow Arsenal to take a percentage of a future sale.

Presumably, the same clauses will be included in any deal with Sunderland, but that hasn't yet been confirmed.

Another notable aspect of the deal with Burnley was a low initial fee, with add-ons depending on Ballard's number of appearances, and so on.

This allowed Burnley to keep the upfront fee down, whilst ensuring Arsenal still get fair value if the player proves to be a success with his new club.

Given Sunderland have only just been promoted to the Championship this season, this fee structure will probably be reflected in their deal as well.

As a result, the sale isn't going to mean an immediate windfall of funds to splash this summer.

The transfer is still probably for the best, however. Ballard has spent the last three seasons out on loan with Swindon Town, Blackpool, and Millwall, and he seems ready to settle at a single club.

For the sake of the player and for the financial benefit of Arsenal, all parties will be hoping his reported move to Sunderland is a success.