Manchester City poised to make approach to Arsenal for star first-team defender

Manchester City have reportedly reignited interest in Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, as the Premier League champions look to bolster their depth at left-back.

The last few seasons, and the most-part of Pep Guardiola’s tenure at the Etihad Stadium, have proved to be a challenge for Manchester City in the left-back position.

Those challenges were further heightened in recent months, following the departure of Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich in January after a steep decline in game-time and overall involvement following the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

With the position proving to be a rotating door in recent campaigns, and despite the success of Nathan Ake this season, Etihad officials continue to look to add another option, with reports now linking City with a move for one of their direct Premier League rivals.

That is according to the information of Steve Kay for FootballTransfers, who reports that Manchester City are following Tierney with a view to making a potential summer transfer for the Scotland international.

It is highlighted that City have held an interest in Tierney in very recent times, with Pep Guardiola reportedly courting the services of the 25 year-old during the January transfer window and discussing the player with Mikel Arteta over the World Cup.

However, no such move came to fruition due to the Scotsman being the Gunners’ only recognised left-back in their squad at the time, while selling to a direct rival for the Premier League title was ‘always likely to prove problematic’.

Despite the block of any such deal at the time, Manchester City’s interest remains according to Steve Kay, who claims that Etihad chiefs will look to securing a move for the player, despite any such negotiation hinging on Arsenal’s asking price – which remains unknown.

Tierney has been utilised as somewhat of a rotational option this season under Mikel Arteta, often filling in at left-back during times when the Ukrainian defender has been unavailable due to injury problems.

However, across all competitions, Tierney has registered a commendable 31 appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process, averaging 41.5 minutes per appearance for Arsenal this season.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have also been linked with an interest, alongside Real Madrid, in Bayern Munich’s Canadian international left-back, Alphonso Davies – whom they face in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg on Wednesday night.