Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney speaking to TNT Sports
Kieran Tierney looks set to leave Arsenal before next season
Kieran Tierney says it felt "amazing" to be back playing for Arsenal in their win over Crystal Palace - despite being set to leave.
The Scotland left-back, 27, spent last season on loan in Spain with Real Sociedad after being deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta but was called upon in Wednesday night's thrilling Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph.
His appearance was his 125th in all competitions for the club he joined five years ago and his first since August 2023. Reacting post-match on X, Tierney said: "Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful. Onto the semis."
But it's unlikely there will be many more ahead given Arsenal have decided against triggering the option year in Tierney's contract ahead of the January transfer window.
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As first reported by The Athletic, that means Tierney is free to talk with clubs from overseas from January 1. Arsenal could still try to sell him in the upcoming transfer window, too, in order to prevent him from leaving as a free agent next summer.
It's outlined that he has no shortage of suitors, including some in England. An emotional return to Celtic could also materialise, with the Scottish champions thought to be sweet on the idea of bringing Tierney back for a second spell.
Such a move would require Tierney to take a put cut given he currently earns a salary beyond what Celtic could afford. But that may not be a major issue if the defender is keen on the idea of returning to Celtic, with whom he previously won four Scottish titles.
Join the debate! Where do you think Tierney will end up playing next season? Let us know here
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Tierney made his first Arsenal appearance in over a year against Crystal Palace on Wednesday
Arsenal would still have an abundance of options at left-back if Tierney were to be given the green light to move on in January with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all playing there this season.
Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, has also broken through this term and impressed at left-back, knocking Tierney further down the Emirates pecking order.
The teenager was given the nod to replace Tierney against the Eagles when he was withdrawn in the 69th minute, with Arteta revealing that the former was suffering with cramp after going down shortly before said substitution.
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