Celtic open talks with Arsenal over Kieran Tierney return | OneFootball

Celtic have opened formal negotiations over a deal to sign Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney, it has emerged.

Tierney's Arsenal contract will expire in the summer and Arsenal have already confirmed to the Scotland international that he will not be offered an extension, sparking immediate interest in a reunion from Celtic.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday that Celtic had now begun negotiations with Tierney, who is understood to be keen on a return to his boyhood club after five years away.

Celtic are confident of being able to agree personal terms with Tierney and, unlike suitors from the Premier League, can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the left-back directly.

Reports in Scotland state Celtic are hopeful of being able to formally confirm an agreement for Tierney in the coming days, which could then lead to negotiations with Arsenal about an immediate transfer.

Indeed, Sky Sports News state Celtic will look to sign Tierney on loan by the end of January once they have wrapped up his signature on a pre-contract.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down the idea of losing any players this month, but did concede that the Gunners would "assess" any proposals received.

"All the players that are here, they want to focus on performing and impacting the team and if something happens there then we will assess it," he told a press conference on Friday.