Arsenal transfer news: Gunners given boost in bid to sign Kieran Tierney as Celtic approach new left-back

Celtic are close to signing Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, a left-back from Rapid Vienna

Jack Watson
Wednesday 03 July 2019 13:25 BST
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Celtic are close to signing a replacement left-back with Kieran Tierney expected to leave the Scottish champions this summer.

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the attacking defender, but will have not been able to match Celtic’s £25m valuation.

The 22-year-old has also been linked with a move to Napoli and Celtic have moved close to signing Rapid Vienna defender Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo as his replacement.

Speaking after last night's 0-0 friendly draw with St Gallen in Switzerland, Hoops boss Neil Lennon claimed a reported £3m deal for the 24-year-old Belgian left-back was imminent, saying: "We are not too far away and he will be another good addition to the squad.

"He gives us competition at left-back, he's strong, athletic and good on the ball."

On Wednesday morning, Rapid Vienna's official Twitter account confirmed the defender had departed the training base: "Today no longer in Bad Zell is Boli Bolingoli - our number 5 received permission to leave the training camp yesterday.

"If there are more news about him, we will get back to you!"

Bolingoli-Mbombo would be Lennon's third summer signing after Christopher Jullien and Luca Connell.

Celtic begin their Champions League qualifying campaign in the first round against FK Sarajevo, with the first leg in Bosnia next Tuesday evening.

Additional reporting by PA

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