Arsenal transfer news: Optimism over Kieran Tierney & Wilfried Zaha deals as club ramp up summer business

Celtic have rebuffed two approaches for the highly-rated 22-year-old left-back, but the Gunners' hierarchy feel they can work out a deal whereby the clauses are more acceptable while a move for Zaha is also being worked on

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Friday 26 July 2019 06:51 EDT
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Arsenal remain hopeful a deal can be agreed with Celtic for Kieran Tierney, ahead of what is likely to be a busy two weeks of the transfer window for the club.

The Scottish champions have already rebuffed two approaches for the highly-rated 22-year-old left-back, but the Gunners' hierarchy feel they can work out a deal whereby the clauses are more acceptable.

Arsenal have so far been unable to complete the move because they have been unwilling to match the agreed £25m price upfront.

Celtic feel too much of the money is dependent on conditionals, although it is understood one of the main current sticking points is related to bonuses owed to Tierney.

Arsenal are quietly optimistic of bringing in Tierney, Wilfried Zaha and possibly one other player.

It is also expected that 19-year-old centre-half Zach Medley will be promoted to the first-team squad.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is desperate to keep hold of Tierney but admits he has no idea if he will get his wish.

"There's a lot of speculation obviously and that's going to rumble on," said the Northern Irishman. "I've been answering the same questions over and over in every press conference.

"It is as we were a week ago. Two bids have been in, two bids have been rejected and that's where we are.

"How confident am I he'll still be a Celtic player come the end of the window? Well, you can never say never.

"You can't predict these things. If there is interest in him then other clubs may come in or Arsenal may come again. I can't predict that.

Celtic's Tierney is one of Arsenal's top targets (Action Images via Reuters)
Celtic's Tierney is one of Arsenal's top targets (Action Images via Reuters) (Reuters)

"At the minute he's working away in the background and it's difficult for him to keep focused at the minute because he's only human but we're supporting him all we can."

Tierney would become the club's fourth summer signing following deals for midfielder Dani Ceballos, defender William Saliba and young striker Gabriel Martinelli.

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