Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out a Kieran Tierney Arsenal exit – but claims the defender still deserves to be in the squad at the Emirates.
Tierney has been linked with a stunning Celtic return this week after it emerged the Gunners had no plans to trigger his extension.
The rumour mill was sent into overdrive with fans reacting to a possible KT return.
Celtic's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney celebrates after scoring during a UEFA Europa league group stage football match between Celtic and Liepzi...
Photo credit should read ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Neil Lennon had his say on the left-back while Brendan Rodgers also addressed the mounting Tierney speculation as he, too, refused to confirm or deny anything.
Tierney made his first Arsenal appearance in months against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and Arteta was pleased to see the Scotland cap back in action.
But despite the paper talk on the player’s contract situation, the Spanish head coach insisted his player has continued to show commitment to the club.
And that could leave Celtic fans sweating over any potential Glasgow comeback talk.
Mikel Arteta claims Tierney still has ‘big part’ to play in Arsenal squad
“At the moment he’s here with us,” Arteta said at his press conference on Friday afternoon.
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“I wouldn’t play a player that is thinking about leaving or is not committed to us, so he’s fully committed.
“He’s enjoying playing after a long period again with a really tough injury, so live the moment.
“He’s a big part of the squad now, he deserves to be in the squad and played really well after such a long time, so that’s the only thing I can say.”
Tierney has not requested an Arsenal exit despite Celtic interest
Arteta was pushed further in an attempt to clarify the future of the defender but again he chose to play it cool.
And he explained how there have, as yet, been no conversations between the two about any January exit like there was when Tierney wanted a move to Real Sociedad last year.
“He hasn’t come to me and said ‘I want to move’,” Arteta revealed.
“In the past if we have any doubts he came to me and said ‘I think it’s my time to move’ and this hasn’t been the case yet.”
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