Kieran Tierney has been heavily linked with a Celtic return for several years now. In the past, it has often felt like wishful thinking, especially at this point in his career. Why would the Scottish international leave Premier League football to head back to the Premiership? Well, now, not only does it seem possible but even likely.
Arsenal are believed to have made the decision to not take up the option to extend his contract by another year. That means that Tierney's current deal will expire at the end of the season.
So, he looks set to become a free agent next summer and will have the opportunity to sign a pre-contract agreement from January. So, is a return to Celtic Park finally on the cards for Tierney?
As reported by Football Insider, Tierney would be interested in a return to boyhood club Celtic. Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of his talents.
Kieran Tierney's stance on blockbuster Celtic return
Of course, the presence of Rodgers could help facilitate the return as well. The Northern Irishman himself knows how it feels to make the journey back to Parkhead after leaving for the bright lights of the Premier League.
Rodgers and Tierney know each other well from the Northern Irish manager's first stint at Parkhead. They achieved a lot of success working together. Let's see if a reunion takes place.
The left-back situation makes it feel like an even bigger possibility. Greg Taylor has been the starter there for the past several seasons but there are many who believe that the club need to improve in that position. It is curious that he has not been handed an extension despite his deal expiring at the end of the campaign.
On the other hand, Alex Valle is the cover option there. But the Spaniard is only on loan until the end of the current campaign from FC Barcelona.