Real Madrid eye a £50million swoop for all-action full-back – Solid option for Ancelotti?

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney is reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid, with manager Carlo Ancelotti an admirer of the full-back.

The Scotland international, 24, has played a pivotal role in the Gunners’ recent revival under Mikel Arteta, putting in a series of strong displays at left-back. Following the defender’s consistent performances this season, Arteta is contemplating making him captain for the 2022/23 campaign.

According to The Sunday Post, Real Madrid are weighing up a shock £50million bid for Tierney. The left-back has impressed the Spanish heavyweights’ chief scout, Juni Calafat, when he was initially sent over to check on Bukayo Saka. Barcelona are also keeping tabs on him, the report adds.

Tierney recently netted in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Poland in a friendly fixture. The Gunners would loathe losing the Scotsman to Real Madrid, although having signed a contract extension not long ago means it is unlikely the club will allow him to leave unless a substantial bid comes in this summer.

Kieran Tierney to Real Madrid – Solid option for the Los Blancos?

Real Madrid appear to have taken note of Ferland Mendy’s injury problems and lack of consistency over the last two years, while Marcelo is out of contract in June.

Academy starlet Miguel Gutierrez did well in some games with the senior team last season, but Carlo Ancelotti might not be keen on the player’s talent considering that he has not appeared for the Les Merengues even when Mendy has been sidelined or suspended.

It has prompted the Spanish giants to search for a new left-back, and the latest player linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu is Tierney.

A product of the Celtic academy, Tierney won four Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup while turning out 170 times for the senior team. He moved to Arsenal in 2019, but after initially struggling with injuries, he has become one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet this term.

A tenacious and aggressive player, the Scotland international’s fine technical qualities, coupled with his ability to make overlapping runs and create chances in the final third, has perhaps made him an appealing target for Real Madrid.

In addition, the versatility the 24-year-old brings to the table and his leadership skills make him even more exciting to work with for any manager.

Tierney has caught the eye by averaging 0.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 0.2 blocks and 2.2 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Offensively, he has registered 0.4 dribbles, 0.7 shots, 0.9 key passes and 2 accurate balls on top of three assists and a goal in 22 league outings. (stats courtesy: whoscored)

At 24, the ex-Celtic defender still has the best years ahead of him, so Real Madrid boss Antonio Carlo Ancelotti should try bringing Tierney to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer if he is confident about getting the best out of the left-back over the next few years.