Aston Villa could plan a move for Kieran Tierney at the end of the season, with Unai Emery keen on signing the player he once coached at Arsenal.
According to Football Transfers, Kieran Tierney could become the subject of interest from Aston Villa when his loan spell ends in the summer. The Scottish defender joined Real Sociedad on a temporary deal from Arsenal. But Mikel Arteta is reportedly adamant about the left-back having a future at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans were left surprised at Mikel Arteta’s decision to let go of Kieran Tierney during the summer window. Rumours circulating the left-back suggested the Gunners considered a permanent sale. Still, the current story insists their Spanish manager preferred a loan move without any buy option.
Tierney completed a loan move to Real Sociedad as Arteta reportedly wanted him to join them for their style of play. The story suggests that the Gunners’ boss retains a long-term interest in the Scottish International and sees him in his long-term plans.
In truth, Arsenal may have already moved on from his style of play and could look for a permanent solution for the defender who cost them €27 million. As things stand, Real Sociedad are reportedly keen on making his transfer permanent despite Tierney’s sporadic appearances for the Basque club so far.
Tierney suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for two months but returned to the squad on Sunday when they faced Sevilla. He might slowly get back to playing regularly, and from a stylistic point of view, Real Sociedad see him as a long-term option at the club.
Now, La Real are joined by Aston Villa, with former Arsenal boss Unai Emery keen on signing the defender in the summer. It was the Basque coach under whom Tierney joined Arsenal from Celtic, and with his style, the Aston Villa manager is adamant about bringing him to the Midlands club.
Aston Villa had chased a host of names for the left-back role during the summer and retains interest in a few players they missed. They are keen on signing Marcos Acuna from Sevilla and have now added Tierney to that list.
Aston Villa are also interested in Borna Barisic, the 30-year-old Rangers left-back, and the idea of bringing in a full-back stems from the uncertain future of Lucas Digne. The Frenchman has attracted the interest of Saudi clubs and was eager to move out of Aston Villa during the summer.
Yet, the Frenchman stayed and has become an important part of Emery’s side. However, the idea of signing Tierney would be seen as an upgrade by the manager over Digne, which is why he is interested in the Arsenal man.
With the report stressing Arterta’s willingness to keep hold of Tierney for the long term, things are a bit puzzling regarding the full-back’s future. Overall, there are chances of him leaving the Gunners permanently, and if that happens, Aston Villa will keep their eyes open.
