Kieran Tierney shares Arsenal statement as Mikel Arteta makes transfer decision
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Kieran Tierney says it felt "amazing" to be back playing for Arsenal in their win over Crystal Palace - despite being set to leave. The Scotland left-back, 27, spent last season on loan in Spain with Real Sociedad after being deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta but was called upon in Wednesday night's thrilling Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph.
His appearance was his 125th in all competitions for the club he joined five years ago and his first since August 2023. Reacting post-match on X, Tierney said: "Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful. Onto the semis.".
But it's unlikely there will be many more ahead given Arsenal have decided against triggering the option year in Tierney's contract ahead of the January transfer window. As first reported by The Athletic, that means Tierney is free to talk with clubs from overseas from January 1. Arsenal could still try to sell him in the upcoming transfer window, too, in order to prevent him from leaving as a free agent next summer.
It's outlined that he has no shortage of suitors, including some in England. An emotional return to Celtic could also materialise, with the Scottish champions thought to be sweet on the idea of bringing Tierney back for a second spell. Such a move would require Tierney to take a put cut given he currently earns a salary beyond what Celtic could afford. But that may not be a major issue if the defender is keen on the idea of returning to Celtic, with whom he previously won four Scottish titles.
