Celtic will need attacking reinforcements in the summer, regardless of who their manager is.
Martin O’Neill added three in the winter, but in the summer, Real Sociedad’s Arsen Zakharyan would be an ambitious option.
The Russian international remains under a long-term contract at La Real, but has made just two La Liga starts this season with injuries hampering his form and availability.
The time might be right for a move in the summer, be that permanently or on loan – and Kieran Tierney would be a key selling point if Celtic were to enter the race.
What do you think is the main reason behind Kieran Tierney’s goalscoring form this season?
How many goals do you think he will score?
Celtic should use Kieran Tierney to lure Arsen Zakharyan in the summer
Tierney spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Real Sociedad, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal.
In his only season abroad to date, he played 26 games for the Basque side, missing 21 through injury struggles.
READ MORE: Alex Iwobi reveals having Celtic option before crucial Arsenal decision
Many of those appearances were alongside Zakharyan, who was aged just 20 during the season and spent most of his time on the left wing, despite a past as an attacking midfielder.
Tierney is an overlapping full-back who plays his best football when he has a good understanding with his left-winger; think Scott Sinclair.
In games against Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, they shared the left-side, noticeably bringing out the best in Zakharyan.
The creative Russian broke through at Dinamo Moscow, excelling in the Russian Premier League as a teenager. Chelsea tried to sign him in 2022, but the move was complicated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Lazio, Ajax and Barcelona circled the following season, and a personal video of then-Barca boss Xavi was even leaked, showing him expressing a desire to bring Zakharyan to Camp Nou.
In the absence of Zakharyan, recent signings Goncalo Guedes and Carlos Soler have established themselves in the team, making a summer departure make sense – Celtic should be offering him the carrot of a reunion with Tierney.
You have been given £10m to sign one player for Celtic in the summer transfer window…
Which player are you spending that money on?
Kieran Tierney on his spell with Real Sociedad
Upon leaving Sociedad for a final season at Arsenal, Tierney wrote on his Instagram: “Thank you to everyone at Real Sociedad.
“What an amazing and special club. Honored to have been a part of it. Despite the injury setbacks, I gave everything every time I stepped on the park and you supported me all the way.
“It was incredible to be part of the team that made history and qualified for Europe 5 times in a row.
“Eskerrik asko. We will meet again.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
