Arsenal have struck a deal to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, it has been reported.
The Gunners have been linked with the full-back all summer, and as per ESPN Brazil, the player is on the verge of moving to the Emirates Stadium.
Unai Emery’s side had a series of bids brushed aside by Celtic earlier this summer as Arsenal were unable to meet the price tag of £25million on Tierney.
With domestic competitions and Europa League commitments to meet next season, Arsenal do need quality and depth in their ranks to compete.
Gabriel Martinelli, Dani Ceballos and William Saliba have been Arsenal’s acquisitions so far this summer, but Emery needs to do more business to make the Gunners competitive next season.
Tierney’s arrival is expected to add more steel to the defence, which was a major problem area for Arsenal last season.
Why Arsenal need Kieran Tierney
Veteran left-back Nacho Monreal has undoubtedly been an asset for Arsenal ever since his move from Malaga in 2013. However, he isn’t getting any younger.
Apart from the 33-year-old Spaniard, Emery has Sead Kolasinac, but the former Schalke full-back isn’t the most accomplished defender, and is better going forward
Tierney is a more complete full-back, and his arrival will add a bit more defensive security to the defence.
Is Tierney worth the transfer fee?
The 22-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment. He has the pace to burn, the required work-rate, has a good game awareness, which makes him a safe bet.
Arsenal have had a bitter history with injuries, and Tierney’s versatility could be handy for Emery as he can play as a left-wing back if needed.
Tierney has all the abilities of a modern-day full-back, and has an excellent eye for a pass, which is why he could easily fit into Emery’s tactical setup at Arsenal.
The Scottish international makes swift transitions from defence to attack, and is equally good at tracking back if his side lose the ball in the attacking half.
His maturity and confidence belie his age, despite being so young, he has amassed a lot of playing time at both club and international level. Considering full-backs are a key cog to Emery’s system, a fee of £25 million is reasonable for Tierney who could go on to become a special player if he keeps up his impressive growth.
