Celtic have begun negotiations with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney about 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 thought to be keen on a return to Glasgow.
Celtic are also believed to be exploring a loan move for Tierney in this window and are expected to contact Arsenal to begin negotiations.
Kieran Tierney has 47 Scotland caps
The Scotland defender is into the final six months of his contract at the Emirates and has been told that he can leave the club by boss Mikel Arteta.
He missed the first three months of the season with a serious hamstring injury picked up on international duty at Euro 2024 and has made just one appearance for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup since his return to fitness.
When asked about the 27-year-old leaving this month, Arteta said: “All the players that are here just want to focus on impacting the team. If something happens, we will assess it.”
Greg Taylor is out of contract at the end of the season
There is no agreement at present on a new contract for current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, with his deal due to expire in the summer.
Celtic also have Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan deal.
A number of clubs across Europe are also said to be interested in Tierney, who Arsenal signed from Celtic in 2019 in a deal worth around £25m.
Rodgers tight-lipped on Tierney move
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers discusses a potential return to the club for Tierney and his January transfer plans
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn on whether he is plotting to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he did describe the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of us”.
“Yeah, we’ll always be linked with top players, and especially players that are one of us,” said Rodgers.
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Watch highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic
“Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here, and his talents then took him on to another challenge in the Premier League.
“So, yeah, we’ll be linked with lots of names, Kieran obviously, naturally because of his situation. But for us, we’ll only ever tell you when we sign a player, once he’s signed.”
Why a Celtic return might tempt Tierney
Tierney won five Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic
Tierney made more than 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time with the club.
Speaking to The Currie Club podcast with Darrell Currie in 2022, Tierney did not rule out a return 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’m always going to love Celtic, I’m always going to support Celtic, so you never know in football.
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