Fans' favourite open to idea of wage cut in order to return home
Tierney effectively a free agent after Arsenal close door on new deal
Defender makes first Gunners start for 19 months... but limps off with injury
By STEPHEN MCGOWAN
Published: 19:03 EST, 18 December 2024 | Updated: 19:07 EST, 18 December 2024
Brendan Rodgers wants to secure a stunning return to Celtic for Kieran Tierney.
Arsenal have informed the Scotland international that they don’t intend to exercise the option of another year on his contract when his deal expires in June.
The Gunners were obliged to take up the option by a certain date, which has now passed.
Free to speak to other clubs in January, the 27-year-old is open to the idea of a substantial pay cut in order to return home to his boyhood club.
Effectively a free agent, Tierney currently earns a salary in excess of £120,000 a week and will attract interest from the UK and overseas.
Kieran Tierney could be set to link up with Brendan Rodgers once again at Celtic
The defender made his first start for the club since May 2023 against Crystal Palace
Tierney impressed in his customary left-back role but looked visibly upset as he left the field
With no sign of a breakthrough on Greg Taylor’s contract impasse and Alex Valle a one-year loan deal, Rodgers would see the appeal in an emotional return for a fans’ favourite with significant experience of the English Premier League, La Liga with Real Sociedad and the Champions League.
Sold to Arsenal for £25million in 2019, Tierney made the 125th appearance of an injury-hit spell in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
He was substituted after 69 minutes, leaving the field with his head in his hands after suffering what appeared to be an injury to his left leg.