Celtic are working on a deal to secure the return of Scottish defender Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract deal.
Arsenal have informed the full-back that they have no intention of exercising the option of a further year on his contract when it expires in June.
Despite more lucrative opportunities in the bigger leagues, the 27-year-old is willing to take a substantial pay cut to reunite with his boyhood club.
And discussions about a move before the end of the month could take place once the practicalities of a pre-contract agreement for this summer are in place.
Sold to Arsenal for £25m in 2019, Tierney made his 125th appearance of an injury spell in the recent Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
Despite falling down the pecking order at the Emirates, defensive injuries are likely to see him in another match day squad when the Gunners take on Brighton tonight.
Kieran Tierney is wanted by former club Celtic, and discussions are now underway over a move
Tierney, with Callum McGregor, enjoyed a successful period at Parkhead before leaving
Brendan Rodgers managed Tierney during his first spell at the club and wants him to return
When asked if any players will be allowed to leave in January, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta replied: “All the players who are here want to focus on performing and impacting the team and if something happens there we will evaluate it.” .
While Arsenal would be willing to save on the final six months of Tierney's substantial wages, the player himself would need to take a £3m hit to terminate his current contract and return to Glasgow permanently this month.
While Thursday's 3-0 defeat to Rangers will intensify calls to bring in the Scottish defender before the end of the window, Greg Taylor and Alex Valle currently occupy the left-back spots.
The situation could change if Taylor, out of contract this summer and no closer to signing an extension, moves on this month.
