Arsenal have reportedly lodged an improved £17.5 million bid for their priority defensive target Kieran Tierney, who is valued at £25 million by Celtic.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal have tabled a second bid in order to secure the services of Kieran Tierney in this summer’s transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights have already seen an offer worth £15 million being knocked back by Celtic, who have slapped a £25 million price tag on the Scottish international.
Kieran Tierney is a player who has been on the radar of a number of top European clubs for quite some time now. Having made his senior debut for Celtic aged just 17, there have understandably been lofty expectations placed on the Scotsman. And, he has been nothing but highly impressive in the last four years.
Injury troubles notwithstanding – the 22-year-old missed a staggering 20 games last season due to a couple of major fitness issues – Tierney remains one of the most promising young full-backs in Europe. As a result, the player is garnering interest this summer as well, with Arsenal reportedly eyeing a move for him.
The Gunners are set for another transfer window wherein Unai Emery is crippled by budgetary constraints. Having failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the Arsenal boss has just £45 million to work with in addition to money raised by player sales. Meanwhile, the left-back slot is one that can certainly do with reinforcing.
Nacho Monreal has been a wonderful servant at Emirates for a number of years now. But, the Spaniard is now 33 and much more effective in central areas. His alternative, Sean Kolasinac has been rather inconsistent during his time at Arsenal, which has consequently seen his game time being restricted considerably.
Tierney, as a result, is a viable target for Arsenal, who were believed to be edging closer to securing his services this summer. The North Londoners though, are yet to match Celtic’s £25 million valuation of the Scottish international, having already seen a £15 million offer being rejected.
The Gunners have now gone on to improve their offer for the young left-back, having lodged a £17.5 million bid. But, with the aforementioned figure still short of the £25 million price tag, it is unlikely that the bid will be accepted by Celtic. And, Arsenal need to be wary of competition in his pursuit, with Everton and Napoli also interested in him, as per the report.
Arsenal’s second bid worth £17.5 million might not be enough to land Kieran Tierney just yet. With Celtic not averse to the idea of offloading the 22-year-old in a club record sale, the Gunners could be served better by matching the valuation, lest they risk losing him to Everton or Napoli.
