Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has been tipped to make a return to Celtic this summer, alongside a potential move to Newcastle in the transfer window. The full-back's future is uncertain in the weeks ahead, with plenty of interest shown in a deal that could see him leave the Gunners.
It comes after a season that saw limited minutes for the Scotland international, with the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko changing the role of the left-back in Mikel Arteta's system. There was greater emphasis on drifting into midfield, looking to circulate possession and keep it in the opposition half.
While those traits suited the incoming Zinchenko, they didn't quite match the skillset of Tierney, where his strength lies in overlapping and attacking on the flank. The defender played just 1,458 minutes across four different competitions for the Gunners, a huge shift from his usual game time when fit.
Arteta revealed earlier this year that he has held talks with Tierney over his future and his role, where he said: "[It was] very good because we talked and discussed the situation. We had a very similar opinion about that. He knows his role.
"Under me, he’s played a lot. More than any other player probably compared to the previous players at the club in the last three years. He understands the situation and he needs to challenge the situation."
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However, with the 26-year-old entering his prime years of his playing career, there will naturally be questions over whether he will make a move away. Newcastle and Aston Villa have been predominantly linked, but a return to Celtic may also be on the cards this summer.
With the return of Brendan Rodgers at the club, there will be a desire to shape the squad how he wants, with Tierney potentially fitting in with his vision. That may be reflected in the latest odds from Betfair, who have slashed Celtic from 20/1 down to 5/2 as his next club.
Newcastle remain favourites at 6/4, while a possible reunion with Unai Emery at Aston Villa ranks third at 9/1 as things currently stand. It remains to be seen where the Scotland international may end up or if a stay is on the cards, but there will be plenty of talk surrounding it as the window drags on.
