Kieran Tierney: Celtic are closing in on a deal to re-sign the Arsenal defender five-and-a-half years after leaving the club | Football news
Celtic are close to agreeing pre-contract terms with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
The 27-year-old, who entered the final six months of his Arsenal contract, was in talks to return to Glasgow in the summer.
The Hoops are also expected to explore the possibility of taking Tierney on loan until the end of the season, especially if they qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Tierney has been told by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta that he can leave the north London club.
He missed the first three months of the season with a serious hamstring injury sustained while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024, and has made just two appearances for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup and FA 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.”
The sky in Italy report that Como is interested in the loan of Barcelona left-back Alex Valle, who is currently on loan at Celtic.
They understand that any move Valle makes depends on Tierney joining Celtic this month.
Meanwhile, there is currently no agreement on a new deal for current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer.
Rodgers was tight-lipped about Tierney’s move
Speaking earlier this month, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers refused to reveal whether he planned 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 was instrumental in a really, really successful period when I was 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, obviously 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.”
Transfer center LIVE! Deals, rumours, news on your phone 📱
The January transfer window is here OPEN!
Follow all the latest offers, news and rumors at ‘Transfers’ section of The Sky Sports app!
