What Kieran Tierney has said about Celtic transfer dream as Arsenal exit nears

Kieran Tierney is poised to complete a sensational return to Celtic. And the deal could be confirmed as early as next week.

It emerged on Friday that the Hoops had begun negotiations with Tierney's representatives about a move back to Parkhead. Tierney, 27, left his boyhood club for Arsenal in a record-breaking £25million deal in 2019 but could now seal a stunning return to Glasgow on a free transfer. The Scotland defender is available for nothing this summer after the Gunners opted against triggering a 12-month extension clause. And that's opened the door for Brendan Rodgers to swoop, with Celts currently in discussions over a pre-contract.

It's believed the Scottish champions are also exploring the possibility of a loan move during this window, with talks expected to take place with Arsenal. And while the left-back has interest from rival Premier League clubs and abroad, KT has his heart set on an emotional move back to his beloved club.

The lifelong fan has made no secret of his wish to return to Celtic Park, where he burst onto the scene aged just 17 and lifted eight major honours - including four titles. Speaking on The Currie Club podcast with Darrell Currie in 2022, Tierney said: "I think when a player who loves the club leaves there’s always that, ‘what if he comes back’ and you can’t rule anything out.

"I’m always going to love Celtic, I’m always going to support Celtic so you never know in football, you genuinely don’t. I think when a player who loves the club leaves there’s always that, ‘what if he comes back’ and you can’t rule anything out."

Just like his time at Parkhead, Tierney quickly established himself as a fans' favourite at the Emirates and was even tipped as a future captain after an impressive few