Kieran Tierney’s impressive minutes for Arsenal in their win over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup has only fueled talk of a return to Celtic and a reunion with Brendan Rodgers.
In the midst of another excellent season for Celtic under Rodgers, the return of Tierney from Arsenal would truly be the cherry on top.
Tierney sent a reminder of his quality during his 68 minute appearance for Arsenal against Palace – marauding down the left under the Emirates lights.
And with the greatest respect to Greg Taylor, who’s having a strong season at Celtic Park, the Hoops would still welcome back Tierney as their starting left-back in a heartbeat.
Kieran Tierney is only interested in Celtic return
That being said, TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Tierney is ultimately only interested in a return to Glasgow next month.
So in that regard, Arsenal aren’t trying to push the defender elsewhere, even if interest may emerge.
Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 i...
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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On their part, Celtic would be willing to loan Tierney in January with a permanent deal built in, subject to conditions being met by the full-back during his initial six-month return.
If a deal is struck between the two clubs, Celtic would have to cover some of Tierney’s wages, but Arsenal may even end up letting their defender go for free.
All avenues are being discussed right now, but it’s clear that there is certainly a will to find a way to take Tierney back to Scotland.
Brendan Rodgers should listen to Mikel Arteta’s advice
Should Celtic be able to execute a deal for Tierney in January or the following summer, Mikel Arteta has perhaps offered some advice for Rodgers to adhere to.
Tierney fell away at Arsenal because he wasn’t suited to an inverted full-back role, but the defender certainly proved his credentials with a more traditional task against Palace.
Arteta was asked about using Tierney as a winger and replied: “He’s playing to his strengths.
“That’s something that we have to continue to learn because they give you a lot of information they tell you not sometimes with their words but with a lot of information, where they feel more comfortable and certainly there is a much better fit for him.”
Certainly a situation to watch closely, and a lot of Celtic fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for a pleasant surprise in the new year.
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