Celtic have started formal negotiations over a deal Sign Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has stood out.
Tierney’s Arsenal contract expires in the summer and Arsenal have already confirmed to the Scotland international that he will not be offered an extension, sparking immediate interest from Celtic in a reunion.
Fabrizio Romano announced on Friday that Celtic have now begun negotiations with Tierney, who is apparently keen to return to his boyhood club after a five-year absence.
Celtic are confident they can agree personal terms with Tierney and, unlike Premier League suitors, can negotiate a pre-contract deal directly with the left-back.
According to reports from Scotland, Celtic hope to formally confirm an agreement for Tierney in the coming days, which could then lead to negotiations with Arsenal over an immediate transfer.
In fact, Sky sports news Celtic will look to sign Tierney on loan until the end of January once he has signed a pre-contract deal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down the idea of losing players this month but admitted the Gunners would “evaluate” any suggestions received.
“All the players who are here want to focus on their performance and their impact on the team and if something happens there, we will assess it,” he said at a news conference on Friday.