BIG NEWS: “I will be…” – Kieran Tierney to Celtic takes new twist after player opens up on his plans, indirectly confirms he’ll be joining the club with huge admission on his future at Emirates Stadium

Kieran Tierney, once a stalwart for Arsenal, has found himself at the heart of intense speculation over a potential return to Celtic.

The Scottish Premiership champions are reportedly keeping a close eye on the left-back, whose career at the Emirates has hit a stumbling block.

Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, was tipped for a permanent departure last summer. However, a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024 appears to have stalled any such move.

Talk of an emotional homecoming gathered pace earlier this year when Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was seen in conversation with the 27-year-old at Arsenal’s charity gala in London. For Tierney, a return to Glasgow has seemed increasingly plausible.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on May 20, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Speaking to The Athletic, Tierney admitted he had prepared himself for a potential exit:

“There is every chance. Look at the squad depth in that position now.

“They have (Oleksandr) Zinchenko, (Jurrien) Timber, (Takehiro) Tomiyasu, (Jakub) Kiwior. Four players can play there. So if I go back and it’s the same as before then I’m not silly, I know the chances are I’ll be leaving.

“But you never know in football. You get the rare case with (William) Saliba, where he came back after a couple of good seasons (out on loan) but you don’t see it too often with someone who has played for four years, left, and then come back to play again.”

However, Tierney’s fortunes at Arsenal could yet take a dramatic turn. Reports suggest the club is closing in on a replacement for sporting director Edu, which might influence the defender’s standing.

Real Sociedad’s outgoing transfer chief Roberto Olabe, who was instrumental in bringing Tierney to Spain, is said to be considering an offer from Arsenal. According to ESPN, Olabe is highly regarded by the Gunners and views the potential role “very positively.”

With Olabe on gardening leave for six months following his abrupt departure, his arrival in North London could prompt a reassessment of Tierney’s role, raising questions about whether the Scot’s Arsenal journey is truly over.