Celtic may struggle to hold on to Kieran Tierney this summer but manager Neil Lennon insists Arsenal will have to up their bid significantly to land the defender.
The Gunners tabled a £15m offer for the 22-year-old which was immediately rejected by the Scottish champions. It seems likely that it was a speculative offer, with the current market suggesting the Scotland international is worth considerably more.
Lennon clearly thinks so and made it clear that the north Londoners need to get serious if they are to stand any chance of doing a deal before the window closes. “Arsenal are aware of what we value the player at. He’s on a long-term contract, he’s an asset and we don’t want to sell him,” he told reporters.
“It’s going to have to take a lot more than what they’ve offered the first time around to give us a decision to make.” The Isle of Man-born ace is currently with the Hoops in Austria for the start of pre-season but it is open to debate as to whether he will still ply his trade north of the border when proceedings open in August.
A few ex-players, including former Rangers player Charlie Adam, have urged the talented youngster to seek a new club in order to develop his career and feel he would be better served by playing in the Premier League. Lennon knows that talk about a player’s future can be detrimental and so is taking steps to ensure all concerned stay calm.
“I’ve had a chat with him as it can be a difficult decision and bit unsettling,” he added. “I’ve been there myself so it’s important that we support him regardless of the outcome.”
Should Tierney move to the Emirates, he will be joining a club priced at 34.00 to win the Premier League next season.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet