Kieran Tierney's time at Arsenal looks set to be coming to an end, whether that be this January or next summer. The Premier League club are believed to have passed on the option to extend the Scottish left-back's contract by another year which means that he is set to become a free agent after this season. And that seems to have opened up a window of opportunity for Celtic.
Of course, if a player like Tierney becomes available as a free agent, there is always bound to be some level of interest. But it does feel like Celtic are quickly emerging as the favourites to sign him, when he does depart Arsenal.
As reported by Anthony Joseph, the talks between Celtic and Tierney are believed to be progressing well. It is understood that both parties are keen to reach a pre-contract agreement, with the Scottish left-back willing to take a significant pay cut to return to Parkhead.
Tierney grew up supporting Celtic. After playing more than five years for Arsenal, the financial side of things might not be the top priority for him at this stage of his career and it is not hard to see why a return to Parkhead might hold appeal to the Scot.
Sky Sports man drops major Kieran Tierney to Celtic news
Based solely on quality, Tierney would immediately be one of Celtic's best players. So, it is not hard to see why the club would want to sign him.
That being said, quality has never been an issue for Tierney. It has been fitness, with his injury problems dating back to his time at Celtic.
He simply has not been able to remain fit for any consistent length of time. And there would be an element of risk involved for any team that signs him.