Three Premier League teams appear to be keen on signing Kieran Tierney from Arsenal this summer. The former Celtic hero looks set to leave cutting an isolated figure on the bench under Mikel Arteta in recent weeks.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Aston Villa have placed Tierney on their transfer wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window. Aston Villa are the latest team to have been linked with Tierney as the manager that signed him – Unai Emery – is now the manager at Villa Park. The Birmingham side are targeting European football this season and would likely contend with Newcastle United and Manchester City for the Scotland Internationalist’s signature.
The arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko has pushed Tierney down the pecking order at Arsenal. Even when the Ukrainian was unavailable, Tomiyasu was used as left back. This has limited Tierney’s opportunities this season and spurred speculation linking him with an exit from North London.
Celtic command a sell-on fee should Tierney move on after the £25m move in 2019. The defender made over 250 appearances for Celtic and the Scottish Champions will be alerted to developments in his future plans. The player is likely to warrant interest around the £30m mark, which is a tad disappointing considering the trajectory that he was on when he left Celtic.
Where next for Tierney?
At 25, Tierney finds himself at a crossroads. An excellent player, the full-back moved through the ranks at Celtic before making his debut under Ronny Deila. His breakthrough campaign was the Norwegian’s last but he had admirers that season. The move to Arsenal came at the end of the Treble Treble campaign but before a crucial Champions League Qualifier with Cluj in 2019.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s Treble chasing side are no doubt attractive to Tierney. However, as Guardiola plays with Inverted Wingbacks, Tierney may struggle to adapt to the style of play, especially given that Arsenal adopts a similar set-up to the Citizens.
Aston Villa
With Emery replacing Steven Gerrard, Villa have pushed themselves into contention for the European places. Although, Emery signed Alex Moreno from Real Betis in the January transfer window suggesting that they have filled the full-back vacancy on the left-side.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s Champions League hopefuls are probably the most likely destination for Tierney. They can attract him with the carrot of European football and afford to buy him out his current deal with Arteta’s side. The Magpies also employ a style of play which encourages strong wingback play, with Kieran Trippier on the other side.
It will be an interesting summer for the full-back but given the current league table, Tierney’s departure may put an end to the suggestion that Arsenal’s Premier League win may result in an addition, unexpected windfall for Celtic.
Looking forward so much too today’s game in the Capital against Hearts. I predict that we will play our best football in Edinburgh and put Hearts to the sword ! Therefore I will go for a Celtic win by 4 goals to 1. And the champers are on ice. Hail Hail. COYBIG.. Let’s do it in style Celts.!