NAPOLI fear they are leaving the way clear for Arsenal to snatch Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.

Gaffer Carlo Ancelotti is being held back from pressing the button on a £25million swoop for the Scotland star because he must first sell Portuguese left-back Mario Rui.

2 KT is a target for both Napoli and Arsenal Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

SunSport understands Inter Milan-linked Rui, 28, is making it clear he’s got no interest in moving.

And it’s that situation which has legendary boss Ancelotti worried he will miss out on Tierney, who was identified months ago as a prime summer target.

Arsenal have had two bids for Tierney rejected by the Hoops board.

The last one guaranteed a £20m down payment, with a further £5m in add-ons based on certain clauses, including the Gunners qualifying for the Champions League.

2 Napoli must move on Rui before they can make move for Celtic star Credit: AFP or licensors

But Celtic chiefs have made it clear the up-front sum for Tierney, who is under contract until 2023, must be increased.

Napoli, who play a glamour friendly against Liverpool at a sold-out Murrayfield on Sunday, are ready to move as soon as they sell Rui.

But Arsenal are in the box seat to land Tierney and a third bid is expected in the coming days.