Celtic suffer massive blow in bid to take Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney on loan | OneFootball

Celtic fans can start counting down the days until Kieran Tierney returns to Parkhead. The Scottish defender has agreed a pre-contract with the Hoops and will rejoin on a four-year deal, marking a highly anticipated homecoming after six years away.

However, hopes of an early return have been dashed as Arsenal remain firm in their decision to keep Tierney until the end of the season, according to The Telegraph.

Unfortunately for the Celts, Arsenal have made it clear that Tierney will stay in North London as they push for the Premier League title and a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners are currently six points behind leaders Liverpool and are also competing in the Champions League knockout stages, making Tierney’s versatility a key asset for Mikel Arteta.

While Arsenal have other options at left-back, including Riccardo Califiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tierney’s ability to play at centre-back and in a more advanced role has made him a valuable squad member.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future uncertain amid interest from Borussia Dortmund, Arteta is unwilling to let Tierney go to Celtic early.

The Scotland international (with 46 caps) reportedly had several offers from abroad, with Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla, and Juventus all keen on signing him on a free transfer this summer before he chose a return to the Bhoys.

Premier League clubs, including Everton, also made enquiries. However, his heart was set on a return to Celtic, the club where he developed into one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, winning four Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups.

Tierney left Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 for a then-record £25 million fee, but injuries blighted his time in London.

Now, the fan-favourite is ready to write a new chapter in his Celtic story, much to the delight of the Parkhead faithful.