Arsenal are closing in on the move for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney after the North London side proposed a better-structured deal with the Scottish Champions.
Arsenal are setting the tone in the transfer market after a successful couple of weeks doing numerous deals. The Gunners could make yet another signing before the transfer window ends. According to The Mirror, Arsenal are closing in on the move for Kieran Tierney after reportedly restructuring the deal to Celtic’s liking.
Arsenal’s chase for left-back might be able to see some daylight after all, as the Gunners are close to agreeing to a deal with Celtic. The Gunners have been on the trails of Tierney right from the start of the transfer window. Celtic rejected few bids from Arsenal, where the Gunners were thought to be behind the Scottish side’s valuation of the player.
Their most recent bid of £25 million was rejected despite Celtic valuing the player at that price. The Scottish side were unhappy at the sum Arsenal were ready to pay upfront as the £25 million included typical performance-related bonuses. Since then, Celtic had suggested they might be open to retaining Tierney for the foreseeable future as they declared themselves in a strong position to do so.
Arsenal were thought to have given up on his pursuit in recent days, although the Gunners have returned with an improved offer. The new deal is also believed to be of £25 million, but the Gunners are willing to pay more upfront to Celtic’s liking. Arsenal could now be able to reach an agreement with Celtic over Tierney’s transfer and close a long drawn saga.
Tierney himself has been keen on a move to the Gunners ever since they expressed an interest at the start of the window. The Gunners have been chasing Tierney as well as a central defender this summer to improve their defensive options. They did sign William Saliba although the defender is set to spend another season at Saint-Etienne on loan.
The Gunners have also been closing in on the sensational capture of Nicolas Pepe after agreeing on a club-record deal with Lille. Dani Ceballos also joined on loan from Real Madrid, while the Gunners remain in the hunt for a centre-back before thw window closes. Unai Emery will be pleased with the news on Tierney as the manager had been hoping to get the deal over the line.
Tierney has been backed to succeed at the Emirates as the left-back will come in to face competition. Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal are the current challengers for the position and Tierney is widely expected to compete with the Bosnian for a spot. Monreal is expected to play a role in central defence as the future of Laurent Koscielny remains uncertain.
As for Celtic, this could be a good deal considering they will receive a good chunk of the transfer fee upfront. It could mean that Arsenal will be able to close the deal on a target they have been chasing all summer and add to their impressive list of recent arrivals at the club. Finally, for Tierney, this could be an excellent opportunity to upgrade his career and a chance to bring Arsenal some lost glory.
