Arsenal keen to keep hold of Tierney but Celtic pushing for January deal | OneFootball

Celtic are pushing to sign Kieran Tierney on a loan deal until the end of the season before the Scotland Internationalist signs on a permanent basis. Although, there appears to be some reluctance from Arsenal at present due to injuries, suspension and transfer interest in another one of their fullbacks.

KT has reportedly agreed on a return to Celtic on a pre-contract with Brendan Rodgers and eager to bring him in for the remainder of the season. However, Record Sport reports that Mikel Arteta is keen to keep Tierney around for the time being.

It appears that this relates to squad depth more than anything. Celtic are keen to push a deal through to bring Tierney back as part of a sensational deal for the boyhood Celtic fan. Arsenal will want to make sure that they have enough cover and ensuring that everyone is fit to ensure that there’s no lack of numbers in the fullback areas.

Myles Lewis-Skelly started in their win over Wolves on Saturday but was shown a red card, resulting in Tierney coming on to shore up the backline. There are a number of options available for Arteta, however, and it may be that the Spaniard wants to keep Tierney in place at the back until after the UCL league phase concludes next week.

Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are eager to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal for a reported £30m. Mail Online reports that Zinchenko is third choice at the club and could be allowed to leave as Arsenal look to raise funds to strengthen in attacking areas.

Zinchenko took Tierney’s place in Arteta’s starting XI after signing from Manchester City. However, both have fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates.

Riccardo Calafiori is an option at left back for Arteta, as is Jurrien Timber. The 23-year-old has returned from injury but Ben White is expected to regain his right back berth when he returns from injury himself. Tomiyasu has often played the left back role for Arteta but the player is working his way back from injury.