Former Scotland international Barry Ferguson ‘cannot see’ Kieran Tierney leaving Premier League giants Arsenal for a return to Celtic as he is simply too expensive for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
With Newcastle United reluctant to meet Arsenal’s £30 million asking price for the increasingly seldom-seen left-back, Kieran Tierney finds himself in limbo heading into pre-season.
Tierney started only six Premier League games as Mikel Arteta’s side finished as runners-up behind Manchester City last term; Oleksandr Zinchenko not only displacing him as the first-choice, but also absolutely integral to Arteta’s tactical blueprint.
And while the Scottish Sun believe that Celtic academy graduate Tierney is reluctant to close the door on a potential loan move back to Parkhead, Ferguson cannot imagine a situation in which the Hoops can find a financial agreement for a player who earns £110,000-a-week in North London (Spotrac).
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney open to Celtic return
“Honestly, I can’t see it happening,” Ferguson, a five-time Scottish Premiership champion at Celtic’s arch rivals Rangers, tells Go Radio.
“Just in terms of the fee if they’re going to sign him. I know it could be a loan, but it’s his salary. He’ll be on an absolute fortune at Arsenal!
“I don’t think it will happen.”
Ferguson believes that – even if Newcastle have dropped their interest – there will still be other top-flight clubs knocking on the door for a player who initially thrived at Arsenal due to his all-action style, his non-stop running and his excellent deliveries from the wing.
“Kieran Tierney, if he becomes available on the open market, I think there will be plenty of Premier League teams desperate to take him,” Ferguson adds .
“I think he’s an exceptional player. He’s done well at Arsenal, and I was very surprised that he’s not played more than he did last season.
“It would be a brilliant signing for Celtic, no doubt about. I think it would be a bit too rich for them…but you never know.”
Celtic do appear to be closing in on two new signings, however. Korean duo Yang Hyun-Ju and Kwon Hyeok-Kyu are reportedly on their way to Glasgow.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
