Celtic has opened official negotiations for an agreement with mark Arsenal's left back, Kieran Tierney, has come to the fore.
Tierney's contract with Arsenal is set to expire in the summer and Arsenal have already confirmed to the Scotland international that he will not be granted an extensionsparking immediate interest in a reunion from Celtic.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday that Celtic had now begun negotiations with Tierney, who is understood to be keen on a return to his boyhood club after five years away.
Celtic are confident they will be able to agree personal terms with Tierney and, unlike Premier League suitors, can negotiate a pre-contract deal directly with the left-back.
Reports in Scotland state Celtic hope to be able to officially confirm a deal for Tierney in the coming days, which could then lead to negotiations with Arsenal for an immediate transfer.
Indeed, Sky Sports News Celtic will look to sign Tierney on loan until the end of January after they have completed signing him to a pre-contract.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed the idea of losing any players this month, but admitted the Gunners would “assess” any proposals received.
“All the players who are here want to focus on performance and impact on the team and if something happens there then we will appreciate it,” he told a press conference on Friday.