Arsenal are reportedly attempting to offload Kieran Tierney this summer, having reduced their asking price to around £10 million. The Scotland international is no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans and is seeking a move to a club where he can secure regular game time.
Celtic have shown the most interest in the left-back so far. However, the 27-year-old’s wages are likely too high for the Scottish giants to afford, making a move far from certain. Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa have shown interest in the past, but it is unclear if they still consider Tierney a transfer target.
Tierney rose to prominence in Scotland, coming through the youth ranks at Celtic before becoming an integral member of their first team. The left-back captained Celtic and enjoyed significant success with the Glasgow side, winning numerous trophies and individual accolades.
In August 2019, Tierney joined Arsenal for a reported fee of £25 million. The Scottish defender quickly became a valuable member of the starting eleven and a fan favourite. However, injuries, coupled with the arrivals of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber, have pushed him down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
Tierney spent the last season on loan at Real Sociedad and will return to Arsenal after the Spanish side decided not to sign him permanently. His future at the Emirates looks bleak as Arteta is reportedly unhappy with the current quality of left-backs and is likely to bring in new faces this summer.
While Tierney has been an important player for the squad for the majority of his time in North London, it seems the right time for him to move on. It’s unlikely he will receive regular game time, so it is best for both parties if he seeks a move to a club that can help revive his career. Arsenal fans will hold fond memories of him wherever he ends up.