Mikel Arteta addresses transfer rumors regarding Kieran Tierney and his potential move to Celtic.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has downplayed speculation about Kieran Tierney’s departure amid growing rumors of a possible return to Celtic.
Scotland international Kieran Tierney has made just one appearance for Arsenal this season, starting in the midweek Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace. Recent reports claim Arsenal has chosen not to activate the one-year extension clause in Tierney’s contract, fueling speculation about a potential return to his boyhood club, Celtic.
Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Mikel Arteta addressed the rumors. “At the moment, he’s here with us,” Arteta said. “I wouldn’t play a player who is thinking about leaving or isn’t committed. He’s fully committed and enjoying his time after recovering from a tough injury. He’s an important part of the squad now and deserves his place. He performed really well the other day. That’s all I can say.”
Arteta also mentioned that Tierney hasn’t approached him about leaving but acknowledged that the player had previously requested a move when he felt it was the right time. “He hasn’t come to me and said, ‘I want to move,’” Arteta explained. “In the past, when he had doubts, he approached me and said it was time to move. That hasn’t happened yet.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who previously coached Tierney during his time in Glasgow, refused to comment on the speculation. “We don’t speak about players, especially young players at other clubs,” Rodgers stated firmly.
