Celtic have held talks to re-sign Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract deal from Arsenal that would end the Scotland international’s injury-plagued stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Full-back Tierney joined the Gunners from the Scottish giants for £25m in August 2019 but has not featured in the Premier League since May 2023, with a hamstring injury keeping him out for much of the current season.
The 27-year-old has made 125 appearances for the club but has missed more than 60 games through injury, requiring surgery on shoulder and knee problems.
Happy birthday, Kieran Tierney 🥳 pic.twitter.com/gBZq5fxIkb
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 5, 2024
Tierney contract
2019/20 FA Cup winner Tierney signed a new four-year deal in 2021 after Arsenal described him as an “integral part of the squad”.
“KT gives us so much extra strength both defensively and offensively,” coach Mikel Arteta said at the time. “It’s great to know he’s going to be with us for the long haul.”
Tierney spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad but missed 15 of the Spanish club’s games with a hamstring injury and two with an adductor problem.
Tierney statistics
A product of Celtic’s academy, Tierney could be on the verge of rejoining the club where he made 170 appearances in his first spell.
The Hoops won the Scottish Premiership four times and the Scottish Cup and League Cup twice each with the help of the island-born defender.
Kieren Tierney ➡️ John McGinn ➡️ ⚽️#SCOFRO pic.twitter.com/QB5FEryDGV
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 31, 2021
After dislocating his shoulder while playing for Arsenal at West Ham in 2019, Tierney returned to play in 10 consecutive league games and start in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
He had set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second goal in the 2-0 semi-final win over Manchester City, while he scored and provided an assist in the final league game of the season, beating Watford 3-2.
Knee surgery in March 2022 and the signing of left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko in July meant Tierney became a peripheral player for Arteta.
Making his Scotland debut as an 18-year-old in 2016, he has 47 caps and started four of their six games at Euro 2020 and 2024.
