Arsenal are planning for life without Kieran Tierney next season and the Gunners have identified their ideal replacement for the Scottish defender.

Tierney’s future at Arsenal has been up in the air for some time now. Thanks to the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko, the former Celtic man has watched most of the season from the sidelines.

The 25-year-old has also struggled with injuries and so he has often played a supporting role. In the Premier League this season, 21 of his 27 appearances came from the bench.

Across all competitions, he made just 15 starts and so his future is up in the air. Both Newcastle and Aston Villa are pushing for a move this summer.

With this being the case, it is only natural that Arsenal are weighing up their alternative options in the market. According to the latest reports, they have found their ideal man.

Raphael Guerreiro has been sounded out as a potential Tierney replacement. According to GIVEMESPORT, the Borussia Dortmund star is being looked at.

His contract with the German club is set to expire at the end of the season and so he will be available on a free transfer.

With Arsenal set to splash the cash on West Ham’s Declan Rice, it makes sense they are looking at a cost-effective option at full-back.

Guerreiro shares many attributes with Zinchenko and it’s easy to see why a manager like Arteta would value him. The 29-year-old is comfortable with stepping into the midfield and he is a great option in possession.

Arsenal face stiff competition

While Arsenal are keen on Guerreiro, they aren’t alone in their interest. German champions Bayern Munich are also said to be in for him.

According to Sky Germany, Thomas Tuchel is keen on snapping up the Portuguese international for his side next season.

Guerreiro certainly won’t be the first player to switch from Dortmund to Munich. Bayern could also prove to be a hindrance to Arsenal in the Rice deal, with the German side now interested.

Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl recently revealed the reason why Guerreiro will be departing at the end of the campaign.

“We made ‘Rapha’ an financially improved offer for two years plus an option,” Kehl told Bild. “The discussions were always fair and correct. We would have liked to keep him, but in the end we couldn’t agree.

“Also in this respect we stand for a clear plan, a direction, because Rapha will be 30 years old and wanted a contract with an even longer term.”

Guerreiro would provide Arsenal with an extra creative option from the back. In the Bundesliga this season he produced 12 assists as well as scoring four goals himself.

Creating an average of 2.1 chances per game, it’s easy to see why so many top European clubs are cashing his signature with him available on a free transfer.

READ MORE: Arsenal on red alert as PSG plot ambitious move for indispensable star who Mikel Arteta rates highly

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