The 22-year-old has starred for Scottish champions Celtic for four seasons and is regarded a significant improvement on their current options in the position.
His balance of defensive and attacking abilities will be a huge boost to Unai Emery’s side going into a campaign where they desperately require a return to the Champions League.
Arsenal have missed out on the top four in all of the last three seasons and Emery was limited financially this summer as a result, having to structure much of their deals so that they are paid in instalments over a set number of years.
That is the case with the club’s new record signing, Nicolas Pepe, who cost £72m to join from Lille and strengthens an already potent attack.
Why Kieran Tierney transfer is a ‘statement of intent’ from Arsenal ahead of medical (Image: GETTY)
Why Kieran Tierney transfer is a ‘statement of intent’ from Arsenal ahead of medical (Image: GETTY)
Kieran Tierney has improved a lot, he'd be better than what Arsenal currently have
Charlie Nicholas
Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will form a fearsome front three with Arsenal also having Mesut Ozil, Alex Iwobi, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the on-loan Dani Ceballos as options to supplement the triumvirate.
And Nicholas is hopeful that Tierney’s arrival will help them to form a stronger defence, after they conceded 51 top-flight goals last term, at least 12 more than any team to finish above them.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Nicholas said: ”As a Celtic and Arsenal fan, I'm happy Arsenal have identified they need a stronger left-back.
“Kieran Tierney has improved a lot, he'd be better than what Arsenal currently have.
“I think it's a high price, he's been a treble-treble winner and it's been an awkward situation for him, but I think the time is right for him to move on.
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Why Kieran Tierney transfer is a ‘statement of intent’ from Arsenal ahead of medical (Image: GETTY)
Why Kieran Tierney transfer is a ‘statement of intent’ from Arsenal ahead of medical (Image: GETTY)