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Report: English club leading race for ‘outstanding’ Arsenal international, they believe they can sign him
Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard has been linked with a permanent move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
However, the Gunners talent’s move to Burnley fell through, which has let other clubs back into the race.
Now, according to , the Arsenal centre-back is on the radar of Sunderland, who have stepped up their interest.
Ballard’s proposed move to Turf Moor broke down as the two sides failed to agree personal terms.
And the Black Cats are now apparently leading the race to bring the Arsenal talent to the Stadium of Light.
While the likes of Blackpool and Millwall are also eyeing Ballard, Sunderland are hopeful they can sign him, added the report.
Ballard joined Arsenal aged eight and worked his way through the ranks, shining for the Under-18s and then the Under-23s.
He has taken in three loan spells, playing for Swindon, Blackpool and Millwall.
Ballard played 30 games and scored two goals for the Tangerines.
The “outstanding” player helped them secure promotion from League One via the playoffs in 2021.
And last season, the Gunners gem made 32 appearances for the Lions, scoring once.
Ballard has also become a Northern Ireland international, with 16 caps to his name.
“I’m just so proud of him”
Earlier this season, Per Mertesacker expressed his pride at seeing Ballard’s development at Arsenal.
“You get players like Dan Ballard, whose development we are really proud of,” the Gunners academy manager told the Arsenal .
“He was nearly released twice. To come back, work his way up and create a pathway for himself – I’m just so proud of him.
“He’s now a reliable defender, playing international football for Northern Ireland and scoring for Millwall in the Championship. It’s brilliant to see.
“That’s an example of staircasing – taking your time in our system, because there will be a pathway for you if you perform at the right time.”