Real Madrid apparently came to Arsenal to scout Bukayo Saka and left wanting Kieran Tierney.
According to a report from Spain, Real Madrid sent a top scout to watch Bukayo Saka but he returned to Madrid and recommended the signing of the player widely tipped to become Arsenal’s next captain – Kieran Tierney.
Real Madrid have been linked with Tierney for a month or so now (as you can read below).
AS write, ‘The Scottish wingback, who can also act as a central defender, passed the cut of Juni Calafat, the white talent scout who has been spying on him in January and February.’
There seems to be genuine interest from Real Madrid, with the report claiming that Tierney ended up ‘far exceeding’ their scout’s expectations.
Calafat, they continued, was ‘amazed’ by Saka, but Kieran Tierney ended up ‘being the one that surprised him the most.
‘In addition to his tactical intelligence and technical quality, his versatility is valued, since he can also act as a central defender.
‘A 2×1 precisely for the positions that the white team seeks to fill before the departure of Marcelo and that of Jesús Vallejo and the doubts about what to do with Miguel Gutiérrez or Fran García.’
Tierney is under contract with Arsenal until 2026 and it would seem likely that only an obscene offer would make Arsenal consider parting with a player who is already well established as a fan favourite.
February 2022
Real Madrid are reportedly looking at Kieran Tierney as they search for a Marcelo replacement, but they’re unlikely to have much luck.
El Espanol report that Real Madrid are closely following Kieran Tierney, with Marcelo’s contract expiring in the summer, and reports that he’s planning to retire.
The Spanish outlet adds that the problem with signing Tierney as a replacement is the price, with the left-back not expected to move for less than €30m.
That figure is considered high by the Spanish side considering they’re looking for a backup to Ferland Mendy.
I’d argue that even €30m (£25m) would be much too little to complete the signing. That’s roughly the figure Arsenal paid to sign Tierney in the first place, as a younger and less experienced player.
Now, Tierney is a starter, he’s approaching his prime years, and he’s renewed his contract to 2026.
The left-back is even regularly talked about as a future Arsenal captain.
The Gunners would have to be a bit mad to let him go without making any sort of profit.
Tierney is up to 19 appearances this season, scoring one goal and assisting three, as well as helping his team to nine clean sheets.
If Real Madrid are put off by a £25m price tag, they need to look elsewhere. Tierney shouldn’t be available for that.