Emery ‘determined’ to sign 22-year-old after Arsenal table opening £15m bid

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal step-up their interest in Kieran Tierney….

Unai Emery is ‘determined’ to sign Kieran Tierney this summer despite Arsenal seeing their opening £15m bid for the full-back rejected by Celtic, according to the Daily Mail.

Emery is looking to strengthen throughout his squad this summer after a disappointing first campaign in charge that saw us finish fifth in the Premier League and beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final.

Once again, defence was a huge area of concern for Arsenal as we conceded 70 goals in all competitions last season so Emery desperately needs to revamp an ageing back-line if we’re to become serious challengers again any time soon.

Arsenal are being linked with a number of centre-backs but it seems Emery is also hoping to strengthen his options at left-back as the Daily Mail reported last week that the Spaniard has identified Kieran Tierney as a prime transfer target.

It appears we’ve now formalised our interest as the newspaper says Arsenal have tabled an opening £15m bid but it was immediately knocked back by Celtic as the Scottish champions are holding out for nearer £25m.

Celtic are in a strong negotiating position as Tierney is under contract until 2023 and is highly unlikely to force his way out of his boyhood club so Arsenal are going to have to dig a little deeper if we’re to get a deal agreed.

However, the Daily Mail says Emery is ‘determined’ to fend off interest from Napoli to sign Tierney this summer so I assume we should see Arsenal go back in to test Celtic’s resolve with an improved offer soon.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitted recently that it will be difficult to hold on to key players such as Tierney and although it would be tough for the youngster to leave his beloved Parkhead home, a big-money move to the Premier League would be impossible to turn down.

The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at Celtic to become a vital part of Lennon’s first team and I think he’d be an excellent signing if Arsenal could lure him to the Emirates this summer.

READ –> Arsenal transfer news

Sead Kolasinac is dangerous going forward but he’s poor defensively and Nacho Monreal is 33 so we need a long-term replacement at left-back and I think Tierney would be a great option if we can get a deal agreed.