Arsenal outcast Kieran Tierney has now opened up about a potential return to Celtic, as long as one key condition is met.
It is now clear that Kieran Tierney has no future at Arsenal.
The left-back spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad. When fit, he regularly impressed for the Spanish side, however injuries once again hampered his progress and limited his game time. In total, Tierney managed just 20 outings in La Liga.
There is no place for the 45-cap Scotland international in Mikel Arteta’s plans, as the player does not suit the Gunners’ style of play under the Spanish coach. Tierney has admitted himself that he is no longer a neat tactical fit at Arsenal.
What’s more, the Gunners already have an abundance of left-back options on their books, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior all vying for minutes in that part of the pitch.
On top of that, Arteta is keen to add another left-back to his ranks this summer. This means that Tierney’s future must be sorted, with a return to the Emirates Stadium not on the cards.
What Arsenal need to happen with Kieran Tierney
Arsenal will be hoping to move the 27-year-old on on a permanent basis this time around, rather than allowing him to leave the club on loan again.
Given his injury record, the North London club may struggle to attract suitors for Tierney who are willing to pay a great deal in terms of a transfer fee, or take on his current wages. However, it is worth remembering just how good he is when fit and firing on all cylinders.
After Tierney arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Celtic in the summer of 2019, he quickly established himself as a fan favourite, impressing with his tenacity, leadership, and willingness to push up the pitch and support the attack by delivering crosses from wide areas.
He is also well-remembered at Celtic, and a return to the Scottish giants would certainly appeal to Tierney. However, he would not consider making such a move until he feels confident he has overcome his injury woes.
Kieran Tierney makes statement on Celtic return
Speaking to The Athletic, Tierney said: “If I go back, I want to be feeling how I did there before. I’ll be a different player to what I was, as I’ve been away for years, but I wouldn’t want to go back if I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent in my body.
“I know the intensity and the demand to win so, if I go back, it will be when I’m still feeling good.”
From an Arsenal perspective, it would probably be ideal if Tierney were to re-sign for Celtic on a permanent basis this summer.