Celtic are the only potential avenue for Kieran Tierney if he decides to leave Arsenal in this window after other suitors are no longer an option.
According to Football Insider, Celtic seem like the only club Kieran Tierney could join after other doors closed on the Arsenal wide man. The left-back has seen a subdued role under Mikel Arteta in recent months. But there is hope for a revival after the recent injury to Jurrien Timber.
Mikel Arteta has given multiple hints on why Kieran Tierney does not fit his system. The Arsenal boss had often overlooked the left-back, even when the Scottish international was fit. Last season, there were games when Takehiro Tomiyasu started games instead of Tierney. And in any case, Oleksandr Zinchenko remains the first choice in the position.
Before sustaining a severe knee injury, the summer arrival of Jurrien Timber started at left-back in the last two games, which further fueled speculation regarding Tierney’s future. While Arsenal were open to offers, the question remains whether the Dutchman’s injury changes their plans.
Some reports hinted that Arteta was ready to keep Tierney, although that was before the last few games. Hence, before the Timber injury, there is an understanding that the 26-year-old could leave the club in this window.
Newcastle United were the early favorites to sign the Arsenal wide man. But their recent agreement to bring Lewis Hall from Chelsea has ended the chase. There were rumblings of a loan offer from Real Sociedad, but those links cooled down eventually.
As things stand, Tierney has two options; to stay at Arsenal or potentially join former side Celtic. How the Scottish Champions decide to proceed with their reported interest remains the question. Can they afford Arsenal’s asking price for the left-back, which could exceed the £25 million they paid years ago.
There is the potential option of a loan deal. But the Gunners would require assurances of a permanent deal next summer for the right price. While it is a romantic idea for Tierney to help his former side in the Champions League, he may still have an essential role under Arteta, who recently reiterated the Scotsman’s essential character on his side.
Even if Tierney desires a switch, at this stage, Arsenal may have the upper hand in making that decision. If Arteta manages to bring someone to replace Timber, then a move could become a possibility; if not, there are chances the left-back will stay for the foreseeable future.
