Celtic are close to agreeing pre-contract terms with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.

The 27-year-old is entering the final six months of his contract with Arsenal and has been in talks to return to Glasgow this summer.

The Hoops are also expected to explore the possibility of loaning Tierney until the end of the season, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has told Tierney he can leave the north London club.

He missed the first three months of the season with a serious hamstring injury while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024, and has made just two appearances for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since returning to fitness.

Asked about the 27-year-old’s departure this month, Arteta said: “All the players here want to focus on making an impact on the team. If something happens, we will assess it.”

italian sky Como is reportedly interested in signing Barcelona left-back Alex Valle, who is currently on loan at Celtic.

They understand that any move for Valle is dependent on Tierney joining Celtic this month.

Meanwhile, a new deal has yet to be agreed for Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, who is out of contract this summer.

Rodgers remains tight-lipped on Tierney move

Earlier this month, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers refused to reveal whether he planned to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he did describe the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of our “a member of”.

“Yeah, we’ll always be associated with the top players, especially one of us,” Rodgers said.

“Kieran was a big part of a very, very successful period when I was here and his talent then led to him taking on another challenge in the Premier League.

“So, yes, we will be linked with a lot of names, obviously Kieran, naturally because of his situation. But for us, it’s only when we sign a player, once he’s signed, that we will tell you.”

Why a Celtic return might appeal to Tierney

Tierney made over 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time at the club.

talking The Currie Club Podcast with Darrell Currie 2022, Tierney doesn’t rule out return to Celtic:

“I think when a player who loves a club leaves there’s always a case of ‘what if he comes back’ and you can’t rule anything out,” he said.

“I will always love Celtic and I will always support Celtic so in football you never know.”

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