Sources: Arsenal defender Ballard set for Millwall medical this week as deal finalised

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Published on:

28 Jun 2021, 2:05 am

Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard is set to undergo a Millwall medical this week and complete a loan move, Football Insider understands.

This site broke the news last Saturday (26th June) that the 21-year-old was in advanced talks with the Championship club.

An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that Ballard is expected to head to the Londoners and put the finishing touches to the move in the coming days.

Thank you to all the staff, players and fans @BlackpoolFC for making me feel so welcome during my time here! I loved every moment and it was even more special to finish with a win at Wembley! Thank you #UTMP🍊🧡 pic.twitter.com/SUe4NBKo0i
— Daniel Ballard (@dg_ballard) June 5, 2021

The two clubs have reached an agreement in principle for Ballard to join.

Arsenal are likely to include a January recall clause that gives them the option to terminate the loan at the halfway point.

It is regarded as a major coup for Millwall to temporarily sign Ballard.

He already had eight caps for Northern Ireland and played a key role in Blackpool's League One promotion campaign last season.

The centre-back made 30 appearances across all competitions, including 27 starts.

Neil Critchley's side were keen on taking Ballard again next season now they will be competing in the Championship.

It is a measure of how pivotal the young defender was at Bloomfield Road that he was named in the starting XI for all three of their play-off fixtures.

Arsenal have given the green light for Ballard to head out for the season.

Mikel Arteta is trying to strengthen a central defence that already includes Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding and William Saliba.

Talks are ongoing with Brighton defender Ben White over a move that could be worth nearly £50million.

As revealed by Football Insider on 22 June, the London club are readying a second offer for the England international.

In other news, Newcastle United agree to sign rising star after Arsenal exit.

Arsenal

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