Celtic are monitoring Kieran Tierney’s situation at Arsenal, with the Gunners reportedly informing the defender that he is free to leave in January.
Alex Crook of talkSPORT has reported that Tierney has been told he can seek a move when the transfer window reopens, sparking interest from Celtic fans eager to see their former hero back in green and white.
Supporters are already eyeing the possibility of donning shirts with his name, should an affordable kit supplier come through.
Brendan Rodgers, who worked with Tierney during his first stint at Celtic, is known to be a long-time admirer of the left-back. With Tierney nearing a return from injury after suffering a hamstring problem in the summer, the Celtic boss may see him as a perfect fit for bolstering his squad.
However, competition for the left-back position at Arsenal is fierce. When fit, Tierney faces a crowded field, including Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior.
Even youth prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly has been deployed at left-back this season, further limiting Tierney’s opportunities.
Charles Watts recently reported that Arsenal had planned to move Tierney on in the summer—either on loan or via a permanent sale—but the player’s injury at the Euros put those plans on hold.
According to Watts, Tierney acknowledges that he is not part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans and is now focused on securing a loan move in January, with the possibility of a permanent transfer next summer.
Whether Celtic would pursue a loan or a permanent deal remains unclear and will likely only be determined once talks between the two clubs commence.
Despite his current lack of game time, Tierney remains closely connected to Arsenal. The 26-year-old has been spotted at the Emirates Stadium on multiple occasions, sitting alongside teammates Tomiyasu and Tommy Setford during Arsenal’s matches against Leicester City and Southampton.
His presence at these games suggests no animosity between the player, the club, or Arteta, as Tierney continues to support the squad off the pitch.
Tierney’s Celtic Legacy:
Tierney came through Celtic’s youth system and quickly became a first-team regular following his debut in 2015. Known for his relentless work rate, attacking overlaps, and defensive solidity, he earned the admiration of fans and became a key figure in the squad.
During his time at Celtic, Tierney won four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups. His standout performances earned him the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award three times, cementing his status as one of the club’s finest young talents.
In 2019, Tierney made the switch to Arsenal for £25 million, but his love for Celtic never faded. Now, with his future at Arsenal uncertain, a return to his boyhood club could be on the horizon, rekindling a special bond between player and fans.