Kieran Tierney being mentioned in connection with an emotional return to Celtic has set tongues wagging as his time at Arsenal looks to be approaching an end.
Last night, reports began to circulate that Celtic are keen on a reunion with Kieran Tierney after the Gunners opted not to take up the one-year extension clause in his contract.
Available to discuss terms with non-English clubs from next month, the Scotland international is also open to cutting his wages to seal a move. However, there is also interest from south of the border and further afield.
Kieran Tierney of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on D...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal were in EFL Cup quarter-final action against Crystal Palace last night and ran out 3-2 winners in a match where Tierney made his first appearance for the club in 19 months.
With Brendan Rodgers and company reportedly circling for his signature, how did he fare after six months on the sidelines?
Kieran Tierney returns for Arsenal against Crystal Palace
Named in the starting line-up by Mikel Arteta to take on Crystal Palace, Tierney managed 69 minutes of action before being withdrawn for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Overall, the Celtic icon enjoyed a productive evening and didn’t look like someone who has struggled from a fitness perspective. Stat-trackers Fotmob show he created one chance and threaded nine passes into the final third as the Gunners progressed to the semi-final.
He also threw in two dangerous crosses for the hosts and succeeded from a defensive perspective, winning three duels and four defensive actions.
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Unfortunately, he was subject to an injury scare as he came off for Myles-Skelly, but Mikel Arteta has since clarified the extent of the problem.
Mikel Arteta reveals Kieran Tierney fitness state after injury scare
Speaking post-match, Arteta made clear that Tierney suffered from some cramp after coming off against Crystal Palace, with no significant fears of another injury scare despite initial indications.
He stated: “It was cramp.” Then, he went on to discuss the Scot being utilised slightly further forward than he is used to, stating: “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.”
All in, Tierney enjoyed a successful outing for Arsenal and looks to be back to his best after a frustrating period of injury.
Celtic fans will hope his success at the Gunners is fleeting, with their side now firmly in the picture to capitalise on his contract situation.
Intriguingly, Greg Taylor’s future at Parkhead is unclear as his deal ticks down. It does prompt the question, are the stars aligning for Tierney to return home? Hopefully, but supporters will need to wait on tenterhooks for further information to become available.
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