Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has accepted his fate under manager Mikel Arteta and is expected to leave in January, as per Charles Watts on CaughtOffside.
Last year, the 27-year-old underwent a decent loan spell at La Liga side Real Sociedad, where he made 26 appearances. His performances gave a glimpse of hope that he will finally switch alliances permanently in the most recent summer transfer window.
However, the former Celtic star suffered a serious hamstring injury during Scotland’s Euro 24 group stage draw against Switzerland, and it completely disrupted his career trajectory.
Due to this, the Gunners had to stick with him and support him until and unless he recovered from his injury. He is not expected to make a swift return atleast before November.
Neither did the defender participate in preseason games nor has he been involved in a single league match this season. Some have even forgotten that he is an Arsenal player.
We all forgot Kieran Tierney, football is a cruel sport.
He was our best player during the lockdown, rated highly in and outside Arsenal.
Fast forward he can’t even make the Arsenal squad. Injuries! pic.twitter.com/mTs8e7jlW5
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) September 30, 2024
Although he has been included in their Premier League squad for the new season, there is little chance for him to break into Arteta’s starting XI.
Tierney prefers January switch
Tierney is aware of the fact that he is surplus to requirements at the Emirates that his qualities as a left-back don’t suit their style of play. The Gunners have built a hybrid system in which the full-backs step into midfield and get involved in attack.
The Scottish star’s traditional style might not suit them, even if he is a solid defender. It is quite obvious that the left-back is far behind Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order.
He bears no animosity towards Arsenal, and he understands that they can split ways without any hindrance. Hence, he now faces a race against time to be fit for a transfer in January.
🚨 @charles_watts: “Kieran Tierney is NOT in Mikel Arteta’s plans anymore. There is no animosity there. He knows the club has moved on & that his qualities as a left-back are not what Arsenal need in the system that they play.”
“Tierney is continuing to work his way back to full… pic.twitter.com/gZPp40avQ0
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 8, 2024
Clubs in England and Spain are keen to sign the £120k-per-week star, and we can see a loan move being executed in January. This will give him some time to get back in shape before planning for a permanent move next summer.
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PL giants Newcastle United and Aston Villa were recently linked with the player. Both sides will benefit from his experience and defensive mastery. He is a proven top-flight player and can add much-needed depth to their back line. Sociedad might also make a comeback and give a player a chance to resurrect his career.
As per sources, Arsenal could earn close to £25 million-£30 million from the sale, a sum they can invest in a world-class striker in 2025.
