With interest from Newcastle United & the lack of game time this season, Kieran Tierney was expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, however it appears Mikel Arteta may have had a change of heart regarding the Scotsman’s future in North London.
Recent reports have emerged that suggest Mikel Arteta wants Kieran Tierney to stay at Arsenal beyond this season.
Arsenal are currently competing in their first proper title challenge for more than a decade. The additions of players such as Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Fabio Vieira have contributed majorly in Arsenal’s title charge this season.
These players have put their mark on the club in their first season’s in North London, but they have also shown the exit doors for some of the other players at the club who previously occupied their respective positions. The likes of Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney have seen their game time reduced this season because of the additions last summer.
With Zinchenko having taken over the left-back position due to his incredible performances, Tierney seems to not be getting as much game time as he would like. There were reports earlier this month which suggested that he may be getting frustrated by the lack of game time, and if he wishes to leave the club, Arsenal won’t ‘stand in his way’.
Tierney was a key part of Arsenal’s squad last season, having played 22 league games and bagging three assists and one goal. While the three assists may seem like a small number, it was still the fifth highest within the Arsenal squad last season.
Before Arsenal’s clash against Sporting CP earlier this season, Mikel Arteta spoke on Kieran Tierney’s reaction to being left out of the squad…
“Tierney’s reaction was very good because we talked and we discussed the situation and we had a very similar opinion about that.
He knows his role – under me he’s played a lot, more than any other player probably compared to the previous players at the club in the last three years and he understands the situation and he needs to challenge the situation.”
However, recent reports have stated that Arteta is now ‘reluctant to sell’ the player. It is believed that Kieran Tierney is an important player and is a part of Arteta’s plans, especially with a return to the Champions League next season. While Arsenal have Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nuno Tavares (currently on loan to Olympique Marseille), Tierney as is seen as the only viable alternative to Zinchenko.
Tierney is very much a fan favourite and many Arsenal fans will also be disappointed to see him leave. However, Newcastle United remain heavily linked with Kieran Tierney as they are in the hunt for a left-back this summer transfer window.
