Edu warned incoming bid would ridicule Arsenal, but transfer chief may have no choice
Kieran Tierney is worth more than £50million, but Arsenal may still not be able to stop the left-back going to Real Madrid, one pundit has said.
The Scotland star has risen to prominence at the Emirates Stadium following his initial breakthrough at Celtic. Having made his Bhoys debut in August 2014, he racked up 170 appearances and laid on 37 assists.
Arsenal subsequently came calling in the summer of 2019 and Tierney has become a cornerstone of the Gunners team.
Indeed, he is now part of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted defence, alongside more recent additions Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White.
Tierney duly earned a new contract in July last year that runs until 2026. Nevertheless, his performances have attracted attention from across Europe.
In fact, Real Madrid are reportedly planning a £50million bid for the 24-year-old. What’s more, they are aware that Barcelona are after Tierney to be Jordi Alba’s successor.
According to Frank McAvennie, Tierney has earned his links with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Tierney has always been capable of playing at the top, top level,” the pundit told Football Insider.
“He can play anywhere he wants, I’ve always said that. He’s such a good boy, he always trains, he always works.
“When I saw him for Celtic I thought he could go on to play wherever he wants so these links are no shock to me.
“He’s never let anyone down at Arsenal, they gave him that chance to get better.”
McAvennie also insisted that Arsenal, led by transfer chief Edu, can afford to ask a lot more for their star full-back. However, the pundit added that Tierney could nevertheless commit to a move to Madrid regardless of the fee.
“He’s reaping the benefits of playing with Arsenal and he’s being pushed to improve even more,” he said.
“£50million is cheap, it would be a steal if Real Madrid could get him for that and as a player, that is a big move to turn down.”
Tierney looking for fine Arsenal finish
Tierney has become a key figure at Arsenal and has proved his worth again this season.
He started the season with six 90-minute stints in eight games, coming through the woeful start to the campaign.
And after recovering from an ankle injury, he came back into the team with a goal and three assists in six Premier League games.
What’s more, he has not missed a minute of top-flight action since mid-December.
His contributions have helped Arsenal turn their form around and become prime top-four contenders.
Indeed, Arteta’s side are now in the driving seat to return to the Champions League again next term.
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