Arsenal 'step up interest in Kieran Tierney'

Arsenal are reportedly ready to make an official approach for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.

As a result of their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League, the Gunners will be restricted in the transfer market this summer, which leaves Unai Emery potentially in a position where he may have to look for value for money.

However, the Daily Mail suggests that Emery remains keen on trying to push through a big-money deal for highly-regarded Tierney in the coming weeks.

The boyhood Celtic fan remains committed to the top-flight champions, although there will always be interest in the 22-year-old's signature until he leaves the Glasgow giants.

Arsenal would potentially have to use at least half of their alleged £45m budget in order to secure the services of the Scotland international, who still has four years left on his contract.

Tierney - a player capable of playing in both full-back positions - has made 170 appearances for Celtic in all competitions.