Celtic’s stance on Kieran Tierney return as Arsenal make transfer decision on star’s exit

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Arsenal star Kieran Tierney is the subject of interest heading into the January transfer window, with his future at the club uncertain.

The Scotland international has had a mixed career at the Emirates Stadium ever since he made the switch from Celtic.

The first few seasons with the Gunners saw him become a key player on the left flank, with his overlapping runs and quality crosses causing problems for any opposition.

However, with Mikel Arteta changing system and opting for different qualities out of his full-backs, Kieran Tierney slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal.

Add to that the frequent injuries he would pick up and it pushed him further out of the team to where he is now.

Tierney made his first Arsenal start in over 500 days against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup in a return to the side, though it seems his future sits elsewhere.

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Celtic eye Kieran Tierney return transfer

The future of Tierney appears to sit more and more away from Arsenal, with the January transfer window and beyond offering a chance to play elsewhere.

Arsenal Insider understands that the full-back won’t be pushed to leave in the month ahead, even though there are no long-term plans for him.

Beyond that, recent reports have also stated that Arsenal won’t trigger a contract extension for Tierney, who has a deal which expires next summer but has the option of an extra year.

It points towards an exit in the coming months regardless, though the timing of when and if there would be a fee remains to be seen.

Recent reports from the Telegraph claim that his former club Celtic are looking at a possible deal for Tierney.

It’s stated that wages may be a problem for a move in January, but a free transfer in the summer could change that.

They aren’t the only team eyeing the defender though, with other Premier League clubs believed to be in the mix.

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Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal career stats

Tierney’s performance against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup was almost a microcosm of his Arsenal career as a whole.

The star played well, offering overlapping opportunities and plenty of threat on the left flank before he was substituted off with an injury concern.

It took his appearances for the club up to 124 in total, still a bit off the 170 he made in his time at Celtic.

While it hasn’t quite ended as many would’ve hoped, there’s still a special place for Tierney in the hearts of Arsenal fans.

If he does return to Celtic, then he will be somewhere that thinks of him just as affectionately.