Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Kieran Tierney remains in the club’s “plans” for the new season.

Speculation has been rife about the former Celtic player’s future, with there even being talk that he could return to Glasgow but, when asked about the defender’s situation earlier this week, Arteta said:

“He is in our plans. And as you said, he came on and did really well [on Saturday against Manchester United]. It’s not the first time, every time he’s played in pre-season, he’s been really good. This is why we want to create competition in the team, raise the level of each individual and that’s going to be a huge benefit for the team to get to another level.”

While Arteta seems keen to keep hold of the player, though, Tierney was not as definitive when discussing his future. The 25-year-old claimed he is “happy” at the Emirates but, when pressed on the possibility of a transfer, he said it wasn’t up to him.

From that, you can glean that he would probably be open to a move, but a lot depends on a sizeable bid being tabled.

Celtic are unlikely to be in the mix for Tierney

If reports are accurate that Arsenal are holding out for around £30m to £35m, there is no chance that the Hoops will make an offer for the Scottish international.

Tierney’s situation could change, though, if he is left on the bench for the opening few matches of the season and he requests to leave to get more game time. In that scenario, Celtic may consider making a loan offer.

Rodgers would certainly be open to re-signing the fullback

The Hoops boss has already expressed his interest in bringing Tierney back to Parkhead, but he did emphasise that the finances would have to be right:

“You can just never say never in football. Who knows what might happen? We wouldn’t be able to buy Kieran for £25-£30million, that’s for sure, or the figures I see banded about. I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t be able to pay the huge salary he’s on. However, one can never tell.”

For the time being, it doesn’t appear that a deal is viable but a lot could still happen before the transfer window closes.