Mikel Arteta makes Kieran Tierney claim amid Celtic return talks

Kieran Tierney broke the Scottish transfer record when he left Celtic in order to join Arsenal. A change in manager followed soon but that did not stop the Scottish left-back from establishing himself as one of the London club's best players early on in his run down in England. It would be safe to say that things have changed a lot since those days.

During his first couple of years at Arsenal, Tierney was one of the club's best and most consistent performers. Many even considered him a future captain.

But a combination of constant fitness issues combined with the arrival of new players at left-back has meant that Tierney has seen himself slip down the pecking order in Mikel Arteta's plans. He spent last season out on loan at Real Sociedad in Spain.

This summer, he was expected to leave as well, whether permanently or on loan once again. But an injury at the EUROs stopped that from happening.

Mikel Arteta makes Kieran Tierney claim amid Celtic return talks

A January move might be on the cards though. Tierney seems to be closing in on fitness. As reported by Glasgow World, Arteta said:

"I think he’s quite close, he looks good, really sharp. He hasn’t trained with the team yet, hopefully he can do that in the next week or two."

One cannot overlook the constant rumours that have linked Tierney with a return to Celtic. They have existed for a long time but have only increased since Brendan Rodgers became the club's manager again.

Of course, Tierney and Rodgers had enjoyed great success working together, during the Northern Irishman's first spell at Parkhead. Could we see the two reunite soon? Time shall tell.

Someone like Tierney would immediately be one of the best players that Celtic have, if the club were able to sign him in the near future. But his injury history means that any move would come with its fair share of risks too.