One of the immensely debated topics that has often stuck its neck out in recent weeks has been, whether Arsenal’s squad is in dire need of a complete overhaul, or just a new manager who would tweak a bit here and there and the Gunners would be a title ready material. Of course, the latter has seen more advocates.
Among the options that need changing, the most criticised position in the squad needing immediate improvement is the left back. Since Gael Clichy left for Manchester City back in 2011, Wenger has terribly failed to bring in potential replacements for the Frenchman. Although Arsenal have Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal playing on the left flank at the moment, they are by no means here to stay given their recent performances.
Arsenal’s humiliation away at Germany against Bayern Munich exposed that weak link quite dramatically when Gibbs noticeably struggled to cover for the aged Arjen Robben and Philip Lahm on the left flank. Not only he but his competitor, Monreal, was also atrocious against Liverpool where Sadio Mane completely ran riot on that flank throughout the first half.
According to reports, Arsenal are planning a move for Scottish giants Celtic’s full-back Kieran Tierney in the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old has been tremendously impressive under Brendan Rodgers getting a more or less regular chance in the side with 16 appearances so far, this season. While he has failed to get his name on the scoresheet even a single time in the domestic league, he has an attractive eight assists.
A Celtic youth product, Tierney broke into the side back in 2014 and made a mark within no time. In his 65 appearances so far, he has scored twice. Arsenal’s defensive crisis has further increased the emergency of landing a competent full-back in the side and Tierney has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates for the past few months.
The Arsenal manager had sent scouts to gauge his developments and they have come with a positive report. It is quite obvious that Celtic won’t be able to stop the youngster if Arsenal come calling and with four years still left on his contract, Rodgers can at most encash on him.
An interesting deal could, however, be a swap with Arsenal youngster Chris Willock. The 19-year-old has an admirer in Rodgers and Celtic could agree to sell Tierney if Willock moves to Scotland.
At just 19, Tierney has made his national debut last year in March and has already played twice. Although a defender by nature, Tierney has shown good maturity when going on the offence and can be a familiar wing-back like Hector Bellerin, who plays on the right defensive flank for Arsenal.
