The Mirror have reported that Arsenal are looking to bring in either Celtic’s Kieran Tierney or Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico, with veteren defender Nacho Monreal linked with a move away from the Emirates to European giants Barcelona.
These rumours have surfaced after it was leaked that Barcelona are looking to sign Monreal as a back-up for current starter, Jordi Alba.
Transfer news: Arsenal will have to fend off interest in the summer from Barcelona as the Catalan giants want to bring in a back-up for Left-back Jordi Alba. pic.twitter.com/GRw6RTn6bf
— TheAFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) March 4, 2019
Here is a look at the two young full-backs being linked with the Gunners:
Tagliafico joined Ajax from Independiente in January 2018 and has been a constant in the side ever since his 4 million euro transfer. Featuring 15 times in the Eredivisie in the second half of the 2018/19 season; even playing centre-back for a couple of games. The Argentine international has impressed with Ajax this season, featuring 30 times for his club, scoring and assisting 5 times apiece respectively. The 26-year-old has been their star man during this seasons Champions League campaign, helping the 4 time European Cup winners to the last 16 of the competition.
Tagliafico is a defender who is more renowned for his attacking capabilities, but he is also very sound defensively and would be a more than welcome replacement for Monreal.
Tagliafico this season:
- 2.3 tackles per game
- 2 interceptions per game
- 1.4 fouls per game
- 1.7 clearances per game
- 84.1% pass completion
The former Independiente mans current market value is 20 million euros [TransferMarkt] and it is rumoured that Atletico, Real Madrid & Real Betis are all closely monitoring the Argentine and despite being willing to leave Holland, the language barrier might be an issue for his potential transfer to Arsenal.
The other left-back linked with a move to the Emirates is Celtic wonderkid Kieran Tierney.
Tierney is a fan favourite at Celtic Park and with Brendan Rodgers’ recent departure to Leicester City the Scotland international may be more open to a move away from his boyhood club. The 21-year-old is already vastly experienced, having featured in European campaigns for the Bhoys since 2015 (41 appearances in total) and the youngster has also captained his country. Tierney has been instrumental in Celtic claiming the ‘double treble’ – winning every possible domestic competition two seasons in a row, and the Glasgow side are currently in a very good position to make it three trebles in a row.
This season the Scot averages 1.8 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per game, with 6 assists to his name, as well as this he boasts a good disciplinary record, with only 2 yellow cards and no red cards in over 1600 minutes.
According to TransferMarkt, Tierney’s market value is £12.5million, but it has been rumoured in the past that Celtic are looking for something in the region of £30million for their top Bhoy.
