Arsenal could entertain offers for Kieran Tierney in the summer if the 25-year-old ace decides to try a new challenge.
According to James Benge on CBS’s House of Champions podcast, Kieran Tierney could leave Arsenal in the summer if he decides to seek a different challenge. And the Gunners are open to entertaining offers if they meet their criteria.
The Mikel Arteta revolution is in full swing at the Emirates as Arsenal continue their flying form and remain atop of the league. The Gunners restored a five-point gap at the summit after beating Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side at the Emirates on Sunday.
One of the star performers in that game was Oleksandr Zinchenko, who arrived from reigning champions Manchester City in the summer. The Ukrainian international has come to define a new role from left-back that allows Arsenal more control and brings a fluidity to their game that Arteta craves.
The downside of Zinchenko’s rise in Arteta’s system has been sidelining Kieran Tierney as a backup. The Scottish international was a regular at Arsenal before the Ukrainian utility man’s arrival and was generally considered a vital part of the system.
If reports were accurate, Tierney even chose to remain at Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. There were also glances from Manchester City as they searched for a new left-back in the wake of Zinchenko’s departure.
Additionally, Arteta chose to play right-back Tekehiro Tomiyasu as a left-back in a few crucial games this season. The idea may have discouraged Tierney despite being fit and available. Nevertheless, like the Japanese international, the 25-year-old ace had become crucial in closing games.
Tierney is reportedly keen to play regularly and could look at his options in the summer. Additionally, Tomiyasu can cover for the left-back position. Arsenal are already lining up a new right-back in Ivan Fresneda. Hence, they might take their time to buy a new left-back if the 25-year-old ace departs, as they have plenty of options in the full-back positions.
Arteta is thrilled to have Zinchenko and Tierney as his options at left-back. Arsenal have no intention of putting the 25-year-old ace on the market but won’t stand in his way if he seeks a new challenge elsewhere. If he becomes available, there won’t be a shortage of interest from top clubs.
Newcastle United were previously keen on the Scottish international, and so were Manchester City. Arsenal will entertain offers if they meet their valuations and criteria. They might grow wary of selling Tierney to a direct rival in the summer, but a big offer could tempt them into a sale.
