Tierney to Become a Gunner?
Having lost the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League final to Chelsea, Arsenal find themselves without Champions League football next season. That has come as a big disappointment to Arsenal fans who were hoping Unai emery was the man to take them forward following the departure of Arsene Wenger.
Without Champions League football to offer and a smaller financial backing than the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal may find it tough to get the players required to get in the top four again next season.
However, one man who has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium is Kieran Tierney.
Why Tierney?
Tierney currently plays for Celtic in the left-back position. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a couple of good seasons at Celtic and has become a regular in the Scottish national squad. At the end of the 2017/18 campaign, Tierney won both the Players’ and Writers’ Young Player annual awards for the third time in succession, which was a fantastic achievement.
It is clear Tierney is performing at the top level in Scotland and now could be the time to make the transition to the Premier League.
The left-back has the pace and energy to operate as a full-back in the modern game. It is not all about the defensive aspects and Tierney has the desire to get forward whenever the opportunity arises but knows when it is time to work back and defend.
Arsenal would be hoping Tierney can make a similar impact to Andy Robertson at Liverpool, who has become one of the best attacking left-backs in the world over the past two years. Betfair offer just 1/7 that Tierney will sign for Arsenal before the close of the summer transfer window.
The Fee
The major stumbling block for the move has been the transfer fee. It is believed Arsenal have offered £18 million to secure the services of the Scottish defender but Celtic are holding out for something closer to £25 million.
Arsenal owner, Stan Kroenke, keeps a tight hold on spending and that could mean the haggling will continue for some time until both parties are happy. However, could another team become interested and take the player away from Arsenal?
Reports in Italy suggest Napoli are keen on the player and may make a move for Tierney. The Serie A giants can offer Champions League football plus the experience of playing against of the biggest clubs in history such as Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.
Napoli are out at 12/1 with Betfair to buy Tierney in the summer transfer window but do not be surprised to see that shorten should Arsenal continue to drag their heels.