Arsenal have played the transfer game with Celtic for the services of Celtic’s Kieran Tierney and the Scottish club have held firm throughout and have demanded more for the star full back’s services.

Michael Gannon (Daily Record journalist) on Kieran Tierney: “I think he’ll be there [at Arsenal] by the end of the week. I think this move has been in progress for two or three years, I don’t think it’s just been two or three weeks. Arsenal know what is required to get him.” #afc pic.twitter.com/cA1X66Qf06

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 6, 2019

Some are questioning the youngsters price but Harry Maguire’s protracted move to United for £80m, makes Tierney a decent punt at around £28.5/£30m.

Arsenal went on the cheap for Tierney with Celtic apparently wanting a figure close to £30m. The first bid was said to be £18m, the second was £25m but was full contestable payment periods and a low up front cash sum.

Celtic then turned the screws on the deal which will hopefully be concluded shortly for just over the £25m mark plus add ons that take it closer to £30m.

It’s Arsenal’s last roll of the dice and the finer points need to be exact because time is in short supply to get the deal over the line.
If the Tierney transfer falls flat, then Arsenal will need to look at plan ‘B’ and that could include Alex Telles (Porto) who happens to be Brazilian.

Ferland Mendy (Lyon) or Angelino (PSV Eindhoven) but it will take an almighty push to ensure Monreal is adequately and promptly replaced at an already error-prone back four.

Read More : How Arsenal Can Make This transfer Window Its Biggest Ever By Simply Doing These Two Things

The advantage was always with Celtic’s in this transfer window. Arsenal underestimated the Scottish club’s resolve and even the offer of a player plus cash and an installment plan failed to tip the Tierney deal.

Celtic are looking to consolidate themselves and were determined to raise a sum that would allow them a degree of flexibility. Despite their size and stature in Scotland, the treble winners need to squeeze every penny from the deal to reinvest. Inward signings to Celtic rarely cost more than £8/9m and a decent fee for Tierney will add up to three players to Neil Lennon’s squad.

Suggestions that a deal is ever closer are based on the rumour surrounding Celtic’s interest in Brentford’s Ricco Henry (22) who could be picked up for as little as £7m.

Daily Record journalist Michael Gannon (Reliable) : "Arsenal are still interested in Kieran Tierney. This move has been there for 2 or 3 years..I expect Arsenal to leave it late and see if Celtic will blink. I think he will be an Arsenal player by end of this week." #afc

— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) August 6, 2019

With just days to go until the window closes, Arsenal will be tested to the limits for a player who will not play appear in the early part of the season.  Questionable decision ? In theory yes but Tierney could be a spectacular addition to the Arsenal backline and will bolster the Left back department with Monreal in his thirties and Kolasinac not so reliable when it comes to defending.

RELATED ARTICLE : Arsenal Need To Rethink Their Strategy As Celtic Play Hardball Over Tierney Transfer