Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has previously hailed Kieran Tierney as a ‘really good player’ as the Arsenal defender continues to be linked with a big-money switch to Spain. It has been suggested recently that Los Blancos have their eyes on the Scottish left-back as a potential signing ahead of next season.
Reports have suggested that the current Spanish league leaders are ready to lodge a £50m bid for the former Celtic man as they aim to find a long-term successor to Brazil icon Marcelo. Whilst Arsenal will of course be desperate to keep Tierney at the Emirates Stadium for the long-term, it could well be difficult considering Ancelotti’s previous interest in the defender.
Ahead of his original switch to north London, it was rumoured that Napoli - then under the stewardship of the Italian - were interested in the defender. In the end, a move failed to come to fruition but that did not stop Ancelotti from admitting his admiration of the defender.
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He 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.”
Since swapping Scotland for north London, Tierney has gone on to accumulate 87 appearances for Arsenal and has scored four goals. He lifted the FA Cup during his first season with the Gunners and followed that up with the Community Shield just a few months later. He still has four years left to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Scotland man Pat Nevin has backed his countryman to be a success in Spain should he eventually seal a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
He said: “If Kieran did join Real Madrid then I’m convinced he would have no problem fitting in there — he wouldn’t need time to settle or adjust. He’s good enough to join any club in the world and hit the ground running.”
