Kieran Tierney is reportedly edging closer to sealing a move to Arsenal

The Gunners back line has been in desperate need of reinforcements and boss Unai Emery identified Tierney as the solution to their defensive frailties.

Earlier reports suggested that Arsenal have seen two bids for the left-back rejected, and were locked in negotiations with the Scottish champions.

It is rumoured that Celtic were not happy with the package Arsenal were offering, which proposed paying the transfer fee in installments and add-ons to satisfy their restricted transfer budget.

Tierney has told Celtic that he wants to secure a move to North London and it now looks increasingly likely the deal will be completed in the coming days.

Emery is keen to get the remainder of the club's transfer business done swiftly with Nicolas Pepe 's arrival from Lille due to be announced within hours.

Tierney has received support from his former Celtic man, Virgil Van Dijk , who has tipped the full-back to be successful in the Premier League.

He said: "It is not an easy step to make and you have to play well to do it but he has the qualities. Kieran made his debut against Dundee when I was at Celtic. I scored a free-kick up there and then he came on and helped us get the win.

"You could tell he was a good player who would do well."