Celtic have opened talks with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney over a return to Parkhead.
Sky Sports News It is understood that negotiations have begun between representatives of “Celtic” and “Tierney” regarding a pre-contract transfer in the summer. The 27-year-old believes he wants to return to Glasgow.
Celtic are also believed to be looking at a loan move for Tierney this window and are expected to contact Arsenal to open talks.
Kieran Tierney played 47 games for Scotland
Scotland The defender has reached the final six months of his contract at the Emirates and has been told by manager Mikel Arteta that he can leave the club.
He missed the first three months of the season with a serious injury picked up in a Euro 2024 international and has made just one appearance for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup since returning to fitness.
When asked about the 27-year-old leaving this month, Arteta said: “All the players here just want to focus on making an impact on the team. If something happens, we’ll appreciate it.”
Greg Taylor’s contract expires at the end of the season
There is currently no agreement over a new contract with current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, which expires in the summer.
Celtic also have Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan.
A number of European clubs are also said to be interested in Tierney, who Arsenal signed from Celtic in 2019 in a deal worth around £25m.
Rogers put a solid lipstick on Tierney’s move
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers discusses Tierney’s possible return to the club and his January transfer plans
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers refused to say whether he plans to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he described the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of us”.
“Yes, we’re always going to be linked with top players, and especially players who are one of us,” Rodgers said.
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Watch highlights from Rangers v Celtic in the Scottish Premier League
“Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here and his talents then took him to another challenge in the Premier League.
“So yes, we will be linked with a lot of names, obviously Kieran, because of his situation. But for us, we will only tell you when we sign the player, when he signs.”
Why a Celtic return could tempt Tierney
Tierney won five Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic
Tierney made over 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time with the club.
Speaking The Currie Club Podcast with Darrell Currie in 2022, Tierney did not rule out returning to “Celtic”.
“I think when a player who loves the club leaves, there’s always that: ‘What if he comes back?’, and you can’t rule anything out,” he said.
“I’ll always love Celtic, I’ll always support Celtic, so you never know in football.
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