Arsenal’s interest in Kieran Tierney is well known as they have had bids rejected for the Scottish left back. However, Celtic can face another onslaught, this time from Serie A heavyweights Napoli. Reports from the Metro mentions that Napoli scouted Tierney extensively last season. It is said that Napoli’s interest is strong and Carlo Ancelotti is said to be a fan of the defender.
However, they will have to act quick as Arsenal are likely to come up with a new offer. Reports mention that Celtic want somewhere around £25m for Tierney and they are prepared to accept some part of the figure as add ons.
Arsenal might have got the better of Napoli in the Europa League last season, but the Serie A heavyweights can offer Tierney Champions League football. So that can tilt the scales in their favour. Moreover, playing for a three-time Champion League winning manager Carlo Ancelotti will also be a significant attraction for someone like Tierney.
What should Lennon do here?
Tierney still has a long term contract at Parkhead and Celtic should be in a strong position to negotiate for the defender. Moreover, Tierney himself doesn’t seem to be itching for a move, so that is also a big positive for the Hoops. In that case, the club should look to stick to the price tag of £25m. Arsenal are reportedly set to come with a new bid of £19m. It remains to be seen what kind of bid Napoli would come up with.
Celtic reportedly want somewhere around £25m, and we feel that it is slightly less, The fullback was wanted by Everton last season as well, and they were unwilling to match that price tag. However, the kind of money which is being thrown around this season, Celtic can surely be more ambitious. Aaron Wan Bissaka who had just one good season in the Premier League, recently went for £55m. Therefore Celtic can undoubtedly demand more than £25m for Tierney.
Problems for Lennon?
Tierney had an average last season as he struggled with a back injury. Even now, he is set to be out for months. Maybe that could be the reason why Celtic aren’t pricing Tierney above £25m. At his best, Tierney is quite simply the best fullback in the division, and he has shown enough in the previous few seasons that he could thrive in the English top flight.
His commitment, desire, ability to throw his body on the line and provide overlapping runs makes him a special player and Celtic will likely lose out on him at some point in the future.
