Celtic have begun negotiations with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney about a return to Parkhead.
Sky Sports News understands that conversations have begun between the representatives of Celtic and Tierney about a movement prior to the contract this summer, and that, as reported, the 27 -year -old will not be able to return to Glasgow.
Celts are also believed to be exploring a loan settlement for Tierney within this window and are expected to touch Arsenal to begin negotiations.
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 3 months of the season due to a serious hamstring injury, signed his outside service at Euro 2024 and has only made one appearance for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup since returning to form.
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.”
There is no agreement on a new contract for the left side Celta Greg Taylor, with his contract ready to expire this summer.
Celtic also have Barcelona left-hander Alex Valle on a season-long loan.
Several clubs from all over Europe would also be interested in Tierney, which Celtic signed in 2019 in an agreement of 25 million pounds sterling.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has refused to say whether he is contemplating bringing Tierney to Celtic, describing the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of us”.
“Yes, we’re going to connect with the most productive players, and especially the players that are one of us,” Rodgers said.
“Kieran was an instrumental component of Aarray, a moment of success that I was here, and his talent led him to some other challenge in the Premier League.
“So, yes, we’ll be connected with a lot of names, Kieran obviously, naturally because of his situation. But for us, we’ll tell you sometime when we signal a player, once he’s flagged.
Tierney made more than 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time at 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, it’s that,” and if he returns, “and you can’t exclude anything,” 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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