Pundit says Arsenal must offer ‘first-class’ player a new contract, or Guardiola could soon swoop

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Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has been praised by Scottish pundit Barry Ferguson, who believes the Gunners gem has gone up a couple of levels since moving to the Emirates Stadium.

However, the former Scotland international also warned Arsenal that they need to offer him a new contract soon, otherwise the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United could soon swoop.

Tierney joined Arsenal in 2019 from Celtic in a reported £25million deal, arriving at the Emirates Stadium to much fanfare given his heroics for the Scottish Premiership team.

He has established himself as a key player in Mikel Arteta’s defence and is going from strength to strength, his consistency standing out even during the Gunners’ struggles earlier this season.

Tierney has also produced two fine showings for Scotland over the international break to further bolster his reputation as one of the best defenders in Europe.

And Ferguson reckons the defender will be on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in the world – including City, United and even some of continental Europe’s elite.

“If I’m Arsenal I’m getting him and tying him down,” he told Go Radio, as transcribed by the Scottish Sun.

“Because if I’m a Manchester City or something, I’m looking at a player like Kieran Tierney – that’s how good I think he is.

“I’ll be honest with you, I just love everything about Kieran Tierney. I think he’s gone up a couple of levels since he’s made the move.

“I always thought he was a very good player at Celtic, there was no doubt that he was going to move to the Premier League, but he’s gone down to Arsenal and gone up a couple of levels.

“As I mentioned before, Arsenal will need to think about getting him tied down on a new contract or the top clubs in England.

“Now, Arsenal are a top club there’s no doubt about it but I’m talking Man City, Man United, or even the top clubs in Europe.

“If he continues to play like that they’ll be looking at him, believe me when I say that.”

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Tierney has been one of Arsenal’s best and most consistent players, shining amid a sea of mediocrity earlier this season and now looking more inspired than ever as the team gets back on track.

“His attitude is absolutely first class,” Gunners icon Kevin Campbell told Highbury Squad in February after the club’s aggregate victory over Benfica.

“He keeps us going down the left-hand side. Kieran Tierney I’d give a 9/10. I’m not saying he was perfect, but just for sheer spirit, endeavour and such a fantastic finish I’m giving him a nine.”

Tierney is currently tied to the club until 2024, so Arsenal’s hand would be strong in any negotiations.

He’s reportedly on a salary of £81,000-a-week, and the way he’s playing, he could easily command double that – so the club should certainly look into giving him a pay rise.