Arsenal have been linked with Celtic defender Kieran Tierney for quite some time, and the Hoops have even rebuffed two previous bids from the Gunners for the left-back. With the English transfer window closing in just a few days, some Celtic fans might be hoping for 8th August to pass quickly without too much drama.
Lennon provides the latest update on Tierney
It is being said that Celtic are demanding £25m for the Scotland international who is currently out with an injury. Lennon recently talked about Tierney’s situation and said (Daily Star), ”Nothing has changed yet. It’s not speaking from insider knowledge, but in my experience, another bid will come in.
”I’d be surprised if it didn’t. I’d also be delighted if didn’t, but the good things is we will know either way by the end of the week when the window shuts down there. It’s not our problem, but the next few days might be spent sitting by the phone.”
Lennon’s word makes it clear that the Hoops are preparing for one final push from Arsenal before the window shuts down. The Gunners were recently beaten by Barcelona in a pre-season game and once again the North London side’s defence gifted two goals which resulted in a 2-1 defeat.
What now for Lennon?
Arsenal have already spent big money to land Nicolas Pepe from Lille. Therefore it remains to be seen now whether they would pay £25m upfront for Tierney. Celtic should have enough time in the transfer market to bring in another left-back but finding replacements haven’t been easy as we have seen from Celtic’s inability to solve their right-back woes.
The club is recently being linked with Hull City’s Stephen Kingsley who is seen as a replacement for Tierney. Kingsley’s signing would be underwhelming for most fans as he is nowhere near Tierney, especially while going forward. Thus, it seems like Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo will be the first-choice option. The new signing has already started to make appearances for the Bhoys and has looked decent.
However, one would have expected Celtic to sign a more stand out option. Ideally, Celtic would like to keep hold of Tierney for another year given the fact that the club already needs to add reinforcements in other areas as well. The defender is currently out with an injury, and maybe that could turn a blessing in disguise for Celtic. Arsenal might be slightly sceptical about bringing in a player who is currently out on a lengthy injury spell.
