Celtic need to strengthen in multiple positions in the upcoming January transfer window. But if there is one you had to pick, it would be their defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are both out for the foreseeable future. The American centre-back is not expected to play again this season and could also miss the World Cup. The Canadian right-back looks set for four to five months out on the sidelines as well.
It is safe to say that the situation is far from ideal if you are Celtic. Do you go out and sign players permanently in January as their replacements? Or do you go the loan route and then plan to integrate them back into the team when they are back available?
If it is the second, there might be some intriguing options available in the market in January. One of them is someone Kieran Tierney would be pretty familiar with.
We are talking about Ben White. After being an integral part of Arsenal since joining in 2021, he suddenly finds himself completely out of Mikel Arteta's plans. He has made just one appearance in the Premier League this season. Of course, Celtic would not be able to sign him permanently as the transfer fee would be too high, but perhaps they can bring him in on loan for the second half of the season.
Arsenal defender would be superb January signing for Celtic
The London club seem to be preparing for a future with the defender. As reported by the Daily Mail (via SPORTbible), Arsenal would be open to parting with White if the right offers were to come in.
White made a name for himself as a right-back for Arsenal. But when he had joined the club, it was to play as a centre-back. So, he is comfortable in those two positions, and Celtic need to strengthen both.
Now, one would imagine that there would be quite a bit of interest in White, if he were to leave Arsenal. So, convincing him to come to Celtic, even on a half-season loan, might be difficult. Perhaps Tierney could give his old teammate a call and see what he thinks about the idea.