Celtic keen on Kieran Tierney as Arsenal make contract decision | OneFootball

Arsenal have reportedly told Kieran Tierney they will not exercise the one-year option in his contract, sparking interest in a reunion from former employers Celtic.

A Celtic academy graduate, Tierney has managed 125 appearances for Arsenal since his switch to the Emirates Stadium in 2019. Despite initially being touted as a future captain, the Scotland international fell out of favour in 2022/23 and spent last season out on loan with Real Sociedad.

Tierney is in the final year of his contract and, according to The Athletic, will not be offered fresh terms, with Arsenal rejecting the chance to trigger a 12-month extension to his current deal.

It means the left-back will depart on a free transfer at the end of the season unless a January sale can be agreed, with several Premier League sides believed to be interested in landing the 27-year-old's signature.

However, the English sides can expect competition from Celtic. The Telegraph state Tierney is wanted for a reunion at Celtic Park, although his high wages could complicate a January pursuit.

Celtic, for whom Tierney made 170 appearances, are likely to favour a summer pursuit but are expected to initiate contact with the left-back in January, when he is free to discuss a contract with non-English sides.

Premier League suitors will have to agree a fee with Arsenal before they are granted permission to speak with Tierney.