Guardiola places Tierney ‘on Man City shortlist’ as Arsenal talks continue

Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola could turn his attention to Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney if he is unable to lure Brighton’s Marc Cucurella to the Etihad in the coming weeks

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester City as the two clubs continue to talk over deals for Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Mikel Arteta is working hard to bolster a squad that came agonisingly close to ending the Gunners multi-year exile from the Champions League last term and is trying to thrash out deals for Jesus and Zinchenko, who are both expected to leave the Etihad this summer.

The Spaniard worked with both players during his time working under Pep Guardiola at City before he was lured back to north London by Arsenal. However, there could soon be dialogue about a third transfer between the two clubs this summer.

That’s according to The Scotsman, who claim that the Premier League champions are keeping tabs on Tierney, who has impressed in the top-flight since he joined the Gunners in a £25million deal back in the summer of 2019.

The report goes on to outline that Tierney is ‘understood to feature on a list’ of potential targets for City, who are desperate to land a new left-back this summer.

Brighton’s Marc Cucurella has emerged as City’s top defensive target in recent weeks, but Chelsea are also interested in the £50m-rated ace, who made a big impression during his first year with the Seagulls last season. But if City are unable to lure the Spaniard to the Etihad, then there’s every chance that Guardiola could instead turn his attention to Tierney.

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Ironically, Arsenal are also in the market for a new left-back this summer. The Gunners are currently locked in talks with City over Zinchenko, who has been deployed as a full-back during his time at City – but it is believed that Arteta has plans for the Ukrainian ace to feature in midfield if a deal can be struck for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks.

Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez has emerged as a potential target for the Londoners, who are looking for someone to compete with Tierney for the left-back role. The ex-Celtic man has been plagued by injuries during his time at the club but is still the Gunners first-choice in that spot.

Although Arsenal will be desperate to hang on to Tierney in the wake of City’s interest, their main priority at the moment is wrapping up a deal for Jesus. The Brazilian striker is Arteta’s top summer target, but Tottenham are also interested in the sought-after forward – and could pip their rivals to a deal as they are able to offer the 25-year-old Champions League football.