Kieran Tierney has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, and Celtic are eager to bring him back to Glasgow.
However, financial constraints may hinder the Scottish club’s ability to complete the transfer in January, making a free move at the end of the season a more realistic prospect.
Once a pivotal figure at the Emirates, Tierney has struggled to reclaim his place following a lengthy injury layoff at the start of the season. So far, the left-back has managed just one start this campaign, underscoring his reduced role in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal are reportedly open to selling Tierney in the current window but may also opt to let him see out his contract. Given the unpredictability of injuries, the Gunners might prefer to keep him as a depth option until the summer.
Celtic’s pursuit of Tierney intensifies:
Celtic remain determined to secure Tierney’s return during the ongoing transfer window. Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson expressed confidence that a deal could be imminent.
“It’s definitely getting done, it just depends on the player’s determination to get it through. The player can kick and scream all he wants, and eventually, we know that players get their way. This is a deal that fits Celtic, it fits Kieran Tierney—it just works for everybody, that deal, it just sits right, doesn’t it?” Robinson said.
Robinson’s remarks highlight the mutual benefits of the potential move. For Tierney, it would mean a return to the club where his career began and where he achieved significant success.
For Celtic, it would bring back a player familiar with the club’s culture and capable of adding experience and quality to their squad.
Arsenal’s considerations:
Despite Tierney’s limited role, Arsenal might still value his presence as a backup, especially with the potential for injuries during the latter stages of the season.
Allowing him to leave now could leave the Gunners short on options, particularly in key defensive areas.
While Celtic’s financial constraints could postpone the transfer until the summer, Tierney’s own willingness to push for the move might accelerate proceedings.
Whether the deal is finalized this month or later, the left-back’s time at Arsenal appears to be drawing to a close, with a homecoming to Celtic looking increasingly likely.