Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta plans to keep 26-year-old full-back Kieran Tierney at the club for next season.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are keen on keeping Kieran Tierney at the club for next season amidst talks of a potential transfer. The Scottish full-back is not happy with the limited game time he got in the 2022/23 season and has been looking for a move away from the club.
However, Mikel Arteta is keen on having him in his ranks for next season. The Spanish manager believes he can play an important role in the team and wants him at his disposal. Tierney was a regular in the Gunners’ first team over the past few seasons. But, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City had a huge impact on his game time.
The former Manchester City utility man made the left-back position his own, and Tierney could only accumulate a total of 776 minutes in his 27 Premier League appearances. The 26-year-old was not happy with his limited involvement and has been thinking of joining another club in search of regular time.
Manchester City are one of the clubs interested in the Scotland international. Pep Guardiola even had a conversation with Mikel Arteta over a potential move for Tierney back in January. But, Arsenal were not interested in letting him join their title challengers midway through the season.
At this point in time, there are talks of a swap deal involving Tierney as the Gunners look to land Joao Cancelo. However, the Arsenal manager seems to have changed his plans. He is keen on having the 26-year-old in their ranks for next season.
Arteta has held talks with the Scotland international and has assured him that he will have an extended role in the team next season. The Spanish manager is all set to switch to a back three next season, and Tierney is someone who will fit better in that system.
Meanwhile, even if Cancelo ends up joining the team, he will be used primarily for the right-back position. With Arteta ready to give the 26-year-old full-back an extended run in the team and talks progressing in the right direction, Tierney is expected to stay at Arsenal for next season.
