Arsenal could finalise emotional transfer reunion after meeting in London

Arsenal could reportedly sanction an emotional return to Celtic for Kieran Tierney in the January transfer window. The 27-year-old is yet to make his first Premier League appearance of the campaign, having been injured while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024.

Tierney has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium over the last few seasons and only has two years left on his contract. It seems he could be returning to Celtic sooner rather than later, with Arsenal having reportedly deemed him surplus to requirements.

According to talkSPORT, the Gunners have informed Tierney that he will be allowed to leave north London when the transfer window re-opens in January. Celtic are said to be keen on bringing him back to Parkhead and have reportedly been monitoring his situation.

Tierney played over 100 league games for the Scottish giants before moving to Arsenal in the summer of 2019. He is fondly remembered by the club’s supporters and would be welcomed with open arms if he moves back there in January.

It comes after Tierney was spotted in deep conversation with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at a charity event in London. They both attended the Celtic Foundation’s annual gala last week and were seen chatting to each other on the night.

Rodgers has made no secret of his admiration for Tierney, who he managed during his first spell in charge at Celtic Park before returning to the club last year.

The former Liverpool boss previously opened the door to a potential move for Tierney but expressed doubt as to whether Celtic would be able to afford his salary.

“When I spoke to him down the road in the Premier League, every time we met up all we talked about was Celtic,” said Rodgers last year. “He’s a Celtic man but he’s at a fantastic club in Arsenal. You can just never say never in football. Who knows what might happen?

“I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t be able to pay the huge salary he’s on. However, one can never tell. Kieran has an incredible history with the club. He was a massive part of my time here, so there will always be that link. You never know.”