Celtic transfers: Arsenal ‘ask for £30m’ for forgotten man Mikel Arteta is now happy to sell

Celtic have made Arsenal left-back and former player Kieran Tierney their number one transfer target this summer, according to reports. 

The Scotland international has been linked with a departure from the Emirates for some time after falling down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.

Tierney signed for Arsenal in 2019 after they paid Celtic £25m for his services. The 26-year-old has made 124 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, but spent the majority of last term in the bench.

The arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko has seen Tierney’s minutes diminish significantly, despite him being a top player on his day.

Arteta has previously insisted that the 26-year-old is not for sale, but the manager is looking to trim his oversized squad and it now seems he could be willing to let him leave.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Real Sociedad are trying to sign Tierney on loan. Arsenal’s preference, however, would be to sell the left back permanently to help ease FFP concerns.

Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice have all been expensive additions, so it’s likely the Gunners will move on more than one player before the transfer window closes.

Rodgers wants Tierney back at Celtic

According to transfer journalist Rudy Galetti, Celtic have made Tierney their number one transfer target, but they are aware it will be difficult to seal a deal.

“In this moment, Kieran Tierney is the hottest name for Celtic,” Galetti told GiveMeSport.

“Brendan Rodgers, in his statement, wants to dampen spirits over whether his return to Scotland is possible. But the Arsenal player is, for sure, one of the most appreciated players by Celtic.

“Arsenal have asked for around £25 million or £30 million to let him go permanently, but a transfer on loan is also considered an option.

Tierney made 170 appearances for Celtic, scoring seven goals and making 37 assists. He helped his former team to lift four Scottish League titles and is still highly regarded by the fanbase.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Celtic can stump up the £25m-£30m necessary to sign the defender, or if Rodgers can convince Arteta to let him leave on loan.

Given Tierney’s lack of first team opportunities at the Emirates, a move back to Scotland may be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.

READ MORE: Arsenal, Man Utd given timely nudge as Xavi hands out update on Barcelona star once thought untouchable