Euro giants in ‘pole position’ after Arteta decision with ‘transfer coup’ planned

Scottish champions Celtic are in “pole position” to sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal on a free transfer next summer, according to reports.

Tierney left his boyhood club to join Arsenal for around £25 million in August 2019 and made 125 appearances for the Premier League club.

The Scotland international’s time in London was marred by injuries, which were also a problem during his time at Celtic.

He spent last season on loan at Spanish club Real Sociedad, making 26 appearances in all competitions, and was expected to leave the Gunners this summer.

A transfer never materialized after Tierney returned to north London due to an injury suffered during Euro 2024 with Scotland.

He returned to full training last month and made his return Wednesday evening against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup after being an unused substitute in six consecutive matches.

This was Tierney’s first appearance for Arsenal since May 2023.

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Although there are ages left in this season, it could also have been his last for the club.

A January release cannot be ruled out after David Ornstein has reported that Mikel Arteta’s side have decided not to trigger a one-year extension. in the 27-year-old’s contract.

This will allow Tierney to leave for free at the end of the season and Arsenal could try to sell him next month to receive a transfer fee.

A return to Celtic seems inevitable and with a transfer fee unlikely to be relevant, Tierney could return to Glasgow next summer.

According to The SunCeltic are in ‘pole position’ to land Tierney when he leaves Arsenal, with the Scottish giants plotting the ‘sensational transfer coup’.

Unsurprisingly, Tierney’s wages – which are around £100,000-a-week – could be an issue for Celtic, but they are very likely to enter into pre-contract negotiations with his camp.

The report states:

SunSport can reveal Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers – who has been keen to get Tierney back since his own return – is close to bringing him back to the club where he began his career and won four Championship trophies.

It is understood the Parkhead side are considering a deal to bring the 27-year-old fan favorite home when the transfer window opens next month.

Celtic could try to loan him out for the final six months of his contract with Emirates.

But if that isn’t possible, they could look to sign him on a pre-contract deal that would see him once again don the hoops for the start of the 2025/26 season.

There will certainly be rival interest in his signature from English Premier League and overseas clubs, with Newcastle United previously serious suitors.

But Celtic are believed to be firmly in the driver’s seat to complete a deal.

Tierney has always had a strong desire to one day return to Celtic and there is now a good chance of that happening.

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