Kieran Tierney: Celtic open talks with Arsenal left-back to join Gunners in 2019 | Football news
Celtic have opened talks with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney over a return to Parkhead.
Sky Sports News understands talks have begun between Celtic and Tierney’s representatives over a pre-contract move in the summer – with the 27-year-old keen to return to Glasgow.
Celtic are also believed to be considering a loan move for Tierney this term and are expected to contact Arsenal to begin negotiations.
Scotland the defender is in the final six months of his contract at the Emirates and has been told by boss Mikel Arteta that he can leave the club.
He missed the first three months of the season with a serious hamstring injury sustained on international duty at Euro 2024 and has made just one appearance for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup since returning to form.
Asked about the 27-year-old’s departure this month, Arteta said: “All the players who are here just want to focus on impacting the team. If something happens, we will assess it.”
There is currently no agreement on a new deal for current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer.
Celtic also have Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan.
A number of clubs across Europe are also interested in Tierney, who Arsenal signed from Celtic in 2019 in a deal worth around £25m.
Rodgers was tight-lipped about Tierney’s move
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers refused to reveal whether he plans to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he described the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of us”.
“Yes, we will always be associated with top players, especially players who are one of us,” Rodgers said.
“Kieran has been instrumental in a really, really successful period when I’ve been here and his talent has taken him to another challenge in the Premier League.
“So yes, we’ll be linked with a lot of names, Kieran obviously, of course because of his situation. But as far as we’re concerned, we’ll tell you when we sign a player only after he’s signed.”
Why a Celtic return could tempt Tierney
Tierney made more than 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time at the club.
Speaking with The Currie Club podcast with Darrell Currie in 2022, Tierney has not ruled out a return to Celtic:
“I think when a player who loves a club leaves, there’s always that ‘what if he comes back’, and you can’t rule anything out,” he said.
“I will always love Celtic, I will always support Celtic, so you never know in football.
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