Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded to speculation around Kieran Tierney’s potential sensational return to Celtic in the January transfer window…
As reported by Stephen McGowan in his MailSport column on Thursday, Brendan Rodgers is plotting a reunion with Kieran Tierney to Celtic which could come as soon as January.
The 27 year-old left-back who is reportedly on £120,000 a week with the Gunners is free to speak to clubs next month with his contract expiring in June 2025.
Arsenal not planning on taking further one year option on KT’s contract
Reportedly, Arsenal have chosen not to exercise a further year onto his current deal, meaning Tierney’s five-and-a-half year stint in North London could come to an end in a matter of weeks.
Undoubtedly, the former Celtic fan-favourite who joined Arsenal from the Scottish champions in the summer of 2019 for £25 million will attract interest from European clubs, and other suitors in England, but it is the Hoops who would pose as the most attractive option for Tierney.
Lasting 69 minutes on his return from a lengthy period on the sidelines, Tierney made his landmark 125th appearance for Arsenal on Tuesday night in their 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta gave his thoughts around the speculation of a potential exit for his third-choice left-back.
Fabrizio Romano’s Update
The Arsenal manager stated, as reported by Fabrizio Romano: “At the moment he is here with us. I wouldn’t play a player who is thinking of leaving. He’s a big part of the squad now. He hasn’t come to me and said I want to move. In the past he has done but it hasn’t been the case yet.”
Left-back is a key position Celtic will be targeting in January or the summer. Greg Taylor doesn’t look as if he will be signing a new contract, and Alex Valle will be heading back to Barcelona in the summer – therefore it is a priority for Brendan Rodgers.
With the January transfer window opening in less than two weeks time, Tierney to Celtic rumours will be rife. Only time will tell whether there is any substance to these links.
🔴⚪️ Mikel Arteta: “Kieran Tierney has not asked me to leave. I wouldn’t play a player that is thinking about leaving or is not committed”.
“He’s a big part of the squad now, he’s deserves to be in the squad and played really well after such a long time”. pic.twitter.com/PhHawj3eoB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 20, 2024
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties
