Arsenal leader emerges as shock Real Madrid transfer target, representing Tottenham alternative

Kieran Tierney could be rewarded for his consistent performances in an Arsenal shirt by earning a transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Arsenal signed Tierney from Celtic in 2019 and after being bedded in during his first season, he has been their starting left-back for most of the past 18 months. This season, the Scotland international has made 19 appearances in all competitions, with one goal and three assists.

Despite competition for his place arriving in the shape of Nuno Tavares, Tierney remains a regular for Mikel Arteta’s side. He is under contract with them until 2026, but interest is mounting much earlier.

According to El Espanol, Real Madrid have shortlisted Tierney as a potential target. The Spanish giants are looking for a long-term successor to Marcelo, whose contract is up in the summer.

One option that has been mentioned is Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon, for whom Real have a buyback clause. But the answer to their left-back dilemma could come from elsewhere in north London.

The report claims Madrid admire Tierney for his tidy style of play. However, the minimum asking price of €30m is putting them off.

Besides, Real are only looking for someone to share responsibilities with Ferland Mendy, rather than be a regular starter. Tierney may therefore be above what they are planning for.

But the fact they are interested in him is characteristic of his rise in recent years.

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As alternatives, Madrid are keeping tabs on Reguilon, ex-Manchester City man Angelino, Valencia captain Jose Gaya and their own academy graduate Fran Garcia, whom they can buy back from Rayo Vallecano.

Tierney can take encouragement, though, from the idea that a club as powerful as Real are aware of his talents and believe he would be suitable for them.

For now, staying with Arsenal appears to be the most likely outcome. He will therefore be adding to his 81 appearances for the club so far.

Tierney could be future Arsenal captain

And he could take on a role of even greater responsibility, according to teammate Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman has become club captain following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But he is out of contract at the end of the season, so may be succeeded quickly.

Recently, Lacazette listed Tierney as one of four future captains in the Arsenal ranks.

Lacazette told the club’s official website: “There is some future captains. Gabriel, big Gabi, has got presence, leadership at the back.

“I think when he’s going to be more fluent with English, it will help a lot.

“Ben White as well, he’s more quiet maybe, but by the way he plays he can be a good leader and maybe with edge can build up.

“[Albert] Sambi Lokonga, but he’s already been a captain in the past so it’s not hard to say he can be a good captain.

“Kieran [Tierney] as well because I think he’s been a captain as well in the past for the national team a few times. You can see some future captains, or leaders.”

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