Football

Charlie Nicholas approves Arsenal’s £25m transfer move for Celtic star Kieran Tierney


Arsenal are interested in signing Kieran Tierney from Celtic (Picture: Getty)

Charlie Nicholas insists Celtic star Kieran Tierney would be a welcome addition at his former club Arsenal.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their defensive options during the summer transfer window and Scotland international Tierney has emerged as a top target.

Arsenal have already had one bid for the left back rejected but intend to test Celtic’s resolve with an improved offer in the coming weeks.

Nicholas expected Tierney to remain at Celtic when the 2018-19 season ended but insists he would be an ‘improvement’ on Arsenal’s current options.

‘I thought Kieran Tierney would want to stay at Celtic,’ the Gunners hero told Sky Sports’ transfer podcast.

‘He’s a die-hard Celtic fan, they’ve got eight in a row wrapped up, they want to go and do nine, and I thought if Kieran really wanted it, if he does nine then he’ll want to do 10 and get in the history books.

‘But the stories I’m hearing here in Glasgow is that he might be keen to move on to the bigger league. That’s really what it’s about, a bigger league.

‘Will it make him a better player? Probably. There is a question mark about his defensive frailties. But then again, he would be an improvement for Arsenal – there’s no doubt in my mind about that.

Charlie Nicholas hopes the Scot joins Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s power. He’s got a lot of power. The greatest Celtic full-back I ever came across was Danny McGrain and he’s the closest we’ve ever had to him.

‘Danny could play right-back and left-back, but Kieran is just one-footed, his left foot. He’s got real power, real pace going forward.

‘And of course in Glasgow, in Scotland, in the SPFL, that’s domination. His final ball could be a bit better, but I think it has improved.’

Nicholas also believes £20m would represent a fair deal for both Arsenal and Celtic.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery (Picture: Getty)

He added: ‘I mean, they sold Van Dijk for £12m. So is he a better defender than Van Dijk? No. I would say that Celtic in the current market could probably get £20m.

‘So my pitch would be £20m is a cracking deal for Celtic and it’s also a very good deal for Arsenal. That’s where I see the value.

‘Kieran Tierney is a fabulous footballer, but he’s got a lot to learn defensively. That’s the issue in value.

‘So I think if Celtic get £20m they’ll take it, and I think Arsenal will be relatively pleased with that.’





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