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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, John Hartson has claimed that the signing of Kieran Tierney is an “absolute snip” for Arsenal.
The Scotland international was a target for Unai Emery and co for much of the summer, with the Gunners having two bids rejected by the Bhoys earlier on in the transfer window. However, the north London outfit finally got their man on transfer deadline day, parting with a Scottish-record fee of £25m to acquire his services.
So far, the 22-year-old is yet to play for his new team as he continues to recover from an injury suffered in June. But when he is available, Hartson believes he will prove to be a fantastic addition to the side, especially considering the price they paid.
"Arsenal have got a snip. Listen if Wan Bissaka cost Manchester United £50m at £25m they've got an absolute snip,” he said.
“Arsenal have a fantastic player on their hands.”
The 44-year-old also spoke highly of his versatility and fitness.
“Tierney can play left back, left centre-back and, if Arsenal want to play with a 3, then he provides that option too.
“He has great fitness levels and gets up and down the pitch with ease. For £25m Arsenal have a fantastic player on their hands.”
Indeed, Tierney comes with a glowing reputation from north of the border. It says a lot that Celtic fought so hard to hold on to one of their most prized assets, and his performances for his former club, where he won the famed treble-treble, speak for themselves.
As Hartson mentions, he is a player who he is able to play in several positions across the backline, making him an ideal fit for a manager in Emery who regularly rotates between three and four at the back systems.
Whilst Wan-Bissaka also has a promising future ahead of him, he has only enjoyed one full season of senior football and is yet to be capped by England despite much talk about his potential.
Therefore, for half the price of the 20-year-old, Arsenal may well have secured themselves an absolute bargain at a snip of his true market value.
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