Arsenal have ruled out Kieran Tierney leaving for Celtic over the coming days. The Scotland left-back, off contract in June, has agreed Bosman terms and committed to a pre-contract with the Hoops. However, a request to allow Tierney to join Celtic immediately has been ruled out by the Gunners.

Kieran Tierney will spend the rest of the season at Arsenal before joining Celtic in the summer after agreeing a pre-contract deal with the Scottish club. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen for the 27-year-old to stay at the Emirates instead of leaving in this window because of his leadership qualities and the injury problems his side have faced.

Arsenal have blocked Kieran Tierney from joining Celtic during January and the 27-year-old Scotland defender will stay at the Premier League club for the final six months of his contract to be part of their title push before returning to the Scottish champions in the summer.

Another issue that will frustrate Rodgers and the board in Glasgow is the fact that Tierney was unnecessarily risked by Arteta and Arsenal last night before their meaningless Champions League tie with Girona.