Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is set to join Burnley on a permanent deal following two successful loan spells, continuing the strong relationship between Mikel Arteta and new Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
The former Manchester City defender recommended Albert Sambi Lokonga to Mikel Arteta last summer, with the Gunners eventually agreeing a deal to take him to the Emirates Stadium from Belgium.
Lokonga joined Arsenal following the reccomendation of now Burnley boss Sambi Lokonga (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Now, it appears as though the favour has been returned, with Daniel Ballard joining Kompany at Turf Moor this summer.
The Northern Ireland defender has impressed in both of his loan spells, at Millwall and Blackpool, and was widely expected to depart this summer.
And newly relegated Burnley could be the optimal place for the defender, with both Ben Mee and James Tarkowski leaving the club this summer when their deals expire, and interest around centre-back Nathan Collins, leaving a potential space for Ballard to slot into.
Arsenal keen to insert first refusal clause
In any move for the young defender, the Gunners are thought to be keen on inserting a first refusal clause, meaning that they will have the option to match any future bids for their defensive talent.
🚨 Exclusive: Burnley in advanced talks to sign Daniel Ballard from Arsenal on a permanent transfer.#AFC intend to insert a clause into the deal which would grant them the opportunity to match future bids from prospective buyers.@TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/CtspeH6pp7
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) June 23, 2022
Ballard is keen to work with Kompany, who it is though ‘has played a critical role in persuading the 22-year-old to choose Burnley’ over other options.
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