Kieran Tierney is a player that could leave Arsenal this summer, with him recently sitting down with Mikel Arteta to discuss his future.
The Scottish left-back has seen his minutes reduce dramatically this season after the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko at the beginning of the season. The Ukrainian is key to the way Mikel Arteta wants to play and therefore has started the majority of Premier League games this season, which has left Kieran Tierney make most of his league appearances off the bench.
According to The Times, discussions were held at London Colney this week between Kieran Tierney’s representatives and the club to discuss the Scotsman future. The overriding feeling is the player will be allowed to leave this summer, as long as Arsenal’s valuation of the player is met.
Arsenal value Kieran Tierney between £30m-£35m, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United showing the most interest so far. Eddie Howe is a big fan of Arsenal’s number three and he even tried to sign the player while he was the manager at Bournemouth a few years ago. Newcastle United are currently the favourites, although Unai Emery would be keen to be reunited with the player at Villa Park next season.
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Newcastle United appears to be Kieran Tierney’s preferred destination as it keeps him playing in the Premier League and the Champions League next season which is what he wants, while also being closer to his family who live in Scotland.
Kieran Tierney played 776′ minutes in the Premier League for Arsenal this season, compared to playing 1919′ minutes during the 2021/22 season. He was also injured for a couple of months last season too, which shows how little game time the Scotsman has had during the 2022/23 campaign.
There were times this season when Zinchenko was out and Tomiyasu would start ahead of Tierney at left-back. Mikel Arteta wants the 25-year-old to stay as he feels he can give him more valuable minutes with Arsenal being back in the Champions League next season, however he understands the players’ desire to leave and won’t stand in his way as long as Arsenal’s valuation is met this summer.
Arsenal’s main priority ahead of next season is to bring in two central midfielders as well as a winger to provide cover for Bukayo Saka, but the Gunners also want more quality in depth in the defensive areas. A full-back and a centre-back is high up the list of things the Gunners want to address this summer, especially if Kieran Tierney does end up leaving North London.
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