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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Arsenal's Kieran Tierney Offer Will Have to Be 'A Lot More,' Says Neil Lennon

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJune 27, 2019

    GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 19: Kieran Tierney of Celtic takes a selfie with the Celtic fans during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian FC at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
    Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

    Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned Arsenal their £15 million bid for full-back Kieran Tierney isn't close to the club's valuation of the player, and they will have to offer "a lot more" to land him.

    Per Goal's Chris Burton, he also told reporters he's unaware if a second offer has been made:

    "Not that I'm aware of. 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.

    "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.

    "I've had a chat with him as it can be a difficult decision and a bit unsettling. I've been there myself so it's important that we support him regardless of the outcome."

    BBC Sport's David Ornstein reported on the opening bid:

    David Ornstein @bbcsport_david

    As reported elsewhere Arsenal have had an opening bid of £15m for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney rejected - but there is optimism an agreement will be reached between the clubs, while personal terms for the 22-year-old Scotland international shouldn’t be a problem #AFC #CelticFC

    Former Celtic and Arsenal player John Hartson scoffed at the reported bid, however, calling it an embarrassment:

    John Hartson @JohnHartson10

    My old club Arsenal testing the waters with reported 15m bid for Kt. Celtic don’t want to sell besides that in this current market 15m is an embarrassment to the player and his ability.

    Per the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan, the 22-year-old has previously been linked to Manchester United. There have also been links to Tottenham Hotspur in the past, per the Mirror.

    Tierney has been a mainstay at left-back for Celtic for years and made his debut for the national team in 2016. He's regarded as one of Scotland's top talents and is expected to make the step up to a top league at some point in the near future.

    A switch to a Premier League club could aid his development, as he and Celtic are rarely challenged in the domestic league—the club have won the Scottish Premiership eight years on the trot.

    Former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner questions whether the Gunners present enough of a step up, however:

    BBC Sport Scotland @BBCSportScot

    Are Arsenal big enough for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney? Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner questions Arsenal is "a big enough club" for Kieran Tierney after the Premier League side had a £15m bid for the Parkhead defender rejected. https://t.co/Zkpig3PnoE https://t.co/efZGPXgTLM

    Arsenal are looking for a replacement for Nacho Monreal, who has been a loyal servant for years but showed his age at times last season. At 33, he should no longer be asked to be a constant starter for the club.

    Sead Kolasinac has been a serviceable replacement, but sports writer James Benge questioned his fit in a back four:

    James Benge @jamesbenge

    No deal done yet but Tierney would be an utterly superb signing for Arsenal. He's been on their list of targets for years but with Monreal ageing and Kolasinac still struggling in a four there's a real need for him now.

    Tierney is an attacking specialist who still has room for growth. His tremendous speed and range would make him a great partner for Hector Bellerin, who also likes to use his athleticism to contribute in attack down the other wing.