Celtic are close to agreeing pre-contract terms with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
The 27-year-old, who is entering the final six months of his Arsenal contract, is in talks over a return to Glasgow in the summer.
The Hoops are also expected to explore the possibility of loaning Tierney until the end of the season, especially if they qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Tierney has been told by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta that he can leave the north London club.
He missed the first three months of the season due to a serious hamstring injury suffered while playing for Scotland at the 2024 European Championship and has made just two appearances for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since returning to fitness.
When asked about the 27-year-old's departure this month, Arteta said: “All the players who are here just want to concentrate on influencing the team. If something happens we will assess it.”
Sky in Italy reports that Como is interested in a loan for Barcelona left-back Alex Valle, who is currently on loan at Celtic.
They understand that every move for Valle depends on Tierney joining Celtic this month.
Meanwhile, there is currently no agreement on a new contract for current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, who is out of contract in the summer.
Rodgers remained tight-lipped about Tierney's move
Speaking earlier this month, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers refused to weigh in on whether he has any plans to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he described the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of us”.
“Yes, we will always be connected to top players, especially players who are one of us,” Rodgers said.
“Kieran played an important role in a very, very successful period when I was here, and his talents then took him to a new challenge in the Premier League.
“So yes, we will be linked with a lot of names, obviously Kieran, obviously because of his situation. But for us, we won't tell you until we sign a player, once he's signed.”
Why a Celtic return could tempt Tierney
Tierney made over 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time at the club.
Speaking to The Currie Club podcast with Darrell Currie in 2022, Tierney did not rule out a return to Celtic:
“I think when a player who loves the club leaves, there is always talk of 'what if he comes back', and you can't rule anything out,” he said.
“I will always love Celtic, I will always support Celtic, so you never know in football.”
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