Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, according to recent reports.
Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that the former Chelsea manager wants to bring the talented left-back to the Bernabeu this summer, with Brazilian veteran Marcelo set to depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Ancelotti had tried to sign Tierney back in 2019 during his time with Napoli and the veteran coach made it no secret of his admiration for the tricky fullback.
When asked about the youngster at the time, the Italian said: “Am I aware of Kieran Tierney?
“I know him and he is a really good player. He is a really good young left-back. But he is a Celtic player.
“We are looking for a lot of players for this coming season, but he is a Celtic player and we have two good left-backs. But honestly, I can say he is a really good player.”
However, the Scottish international, who is valued at £28.8million on Transfermarkt, eventually opted to make the move from Celtic to Arsenal instead.
The 24-year-old has since established himself as one of the most important players for Mikel Arteta's side, featuring 81 times for the Gunners, registering four goals and eight assists in the process.
Tierney also penned a new long-term contract last summer keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2026, meaning Madrid would need to lodge a huge offer for the north Londoners to even consider selling him.
Speaking when the Scot has signed his new deal, Arteta said: “This is great news for us today.
"As manager of the club, speaking on behalf of the coaching staff and the entire staff, it’s a pleasure to work with KT. His quality, energy, commitment and professionalism, not only on matchdays, but every day in training are always at such a high level.
"KT gives us so much extra strength both defensively and offensively and it’s great to know that he’ll be with us for the long term.
"Since his move from Celtic, his work ethic and quality has ensured that he is already one of most exciting players in the Premier League and a hugely important part of our team, both on and off the pitch.
"I know all the fans will join me, the players and staff in looking forward to seeing KT playing in an Arsenal shirt for a few more years!”
