Celtic may have Kieran Tierney return answer already as Arsenal exit path 'emerges' while injury explained

Forgotten Kieran Tierney has reportedly been given the green light to leave Arsenal - sending the Celtic rumour mill into overdrive over the prospect of a return.

But a La Liga side appear to have stolen a march on interested parties - with the Hoops academy graduate potentially already giving the Scottish Premiership champions his answer on a move. The Scotland defender hasn't kicked a ball since he was sidelined through injury at Euro 2024 after spending last season away from the Premier League giants at Real Sociedad - and Mikel Arteta is said to have told the left-back his time is up at the Emirates.

The 27-year-old is said to have been given approval to leave the Gunners on loan when the January window opens - giving Tierney the chance to put himself in the shop window when the summer rolls around. Back in 2023, Brendan Rodgers refused to rule out a move - but did close the door on a permanent deal.

Asked about a move before his switch to Sociedad, the Celtic boss said: “You can just never say never in football. Who knows what might happen? We wouldn’t be able to buy Kieran for £25-£30million, that’s for sure, or the figures I see banded about."

Could a loan get off the ground, though? Spanish outlet Grada 3 report that Las Palmas have enquired about a temporary deal as they look to bolster their Scottish contingent with both Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna already at the club. And a move to Spain over the Hoops may suit Tierney as he ramps up his fitness. Speaking earlier this year about a potential return to Celtic, he told The Athletic he wouldn't want to come back if he wasn't "100 per cent in my body."

He said at the time: "I still miss it but I knew life would never be the same. I was living my dream.