Tottenham are ready to move for left-back Kieran Tierney and hijack Arsenal’s move for the defender, as the Gunners are yet to match his £25 million price tag.
Arsenal’s list of potential targets for the summer include players for several positions. A forward, midfielder, central defender and a left-back are Arsenal’s priority in the summer window, but one chase, in particular, is set for a twist. According to The Sun, Tottenham are ready to hijack Arsenal’s move for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney as the Gunners are yet to match his £25 million price tag.
The Gunners have been chasing Tierney all summer and are yet to make headway in discussions with Celtic. The Scottish club firmly rejected Arsenal’s initial £15 million bid as they hold out for £25 million. There were reports earlier of a potential Arsenal bid of £25 million, which was thought to be rejected by Celtic. However, new reports suggest, Arsenal are yet to match the asking price.
Many quarters are hopeful of an improved Arsenal offer, one that would meet Celtic’s demands in the coming days. However, as the wait goes on, Tottenham are readying their own offer to scupper Arsenal’s move for the left-back. Spurs were interested in Tierney last season, and have made a late entry this summer to see if they can tempt him to the other side of North London.
Space at left-back might free-up at Tottenham if Danny Rose makes an exit from the club. That would leave Ben Davies as the only recognised left-back at the club. While the left-back position did not have a fixed player last season, Mauricio Pochettino might want to take his chances with Tierney.
However, Spurs had been heavily linked with a move for Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon for two summers now. The Fulham full-back is also attracting plenty of interest from other clubs, and Spurs might feel they have less of a chance to secure his signature. Tierney could be an alternative to Sessegnon, although it could also be a sign that Rose might be sold imminently.
As for Tierney, there are suggestions the left-back has set his heart on leaving Celtic this summer. The feeling is that he might not get another big chance like this again. He is thought to be interested in a move to Arsenal, who had been chasing him all this while.
On the other hand, Celtic have already signed a replacement left-back in Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo from Rapid Vienna earlier in the window. It is also a clear indication the Scottish champions are ready to sell Tierney. However, with Arsenal yet to match their £25 million asking price, things can get complicated if Tottenham actually come in with a bid.
Tierney could be a good fit in Unai Emery’s system at Arsenal. However, if Spurs do come with a bid, they can offer him Champions League football which Arsenal can’t. As things stand, the Gunners still have the upper hand, and all they need to do is match Celtic’s demands for Tierney.
