Celtic in talks for Arsenal defender after injuries blight Premier League career

Celtic have held talks to re-sign Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract deal from Arsenal that would end the Scotland international’s injury-ravaged stay at Emirates Stadium.

Full-back Tierney joined the Gunners from the Scottish giants for a reported £25 million 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 campaign.

The 27-year-old has made 125 appearances for the club but missed more than 60 games through injuries, requiring surgery on shoulder and knee issues.

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 contract in 2021, when Arsenal described him as an “integral part of the team”.

“KT gives us so much extra strength both defensively and offensively,” manager Mikel Arteta said at the time. “It’s great to know that he’ll be with us for the long term.”

Tierney spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad but missed 15 of the Spanish side’s matches with a hamstring injury and two with an adductor problem.

Tierney stats

Celtic academy product Tierney could be on the verge of rejoining the club where he made 170 appearances during 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 Isle of Man-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 their FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

He had set up the second of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals in their 2-0 semi-final win over Manchester City, as well as scoring and producing an assist in their final league match of the season, beating Watford 3-2.

Knee surgery in March 2022 and the signing of left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko that July meant Tierney became a peripheral player for Arteta.

A Scotland debutant as an 18-year-old in 2016, he has 47 caps and started in four of their six games at Euro 2020 and 2024.