Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are reportedly weighing up the prospect of selling Kieran Tierney in the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have ruled out the possibility of bringing back Kieran Tierney from his loan spell at La Liga side Real Sociedad in January to solve an increasingly pressing problem for Mikel Arteta.
This comes after the player himself made it clear that he will not be cutting short his loan spell at Real Sociedad to return to the Emirates’ this month.
When asked on the rumours of Arsenal considering a loan recall by Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Tierney said: “Several people have asked me about this but the answer is no. I am definitely staying here. Arsenal fans are great, they always gave me a lot of support. During the four years I was there, I will always be grateful to the fans.”
Tierney struggled to get first-team action at the Emirates last season, slipping behind Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the pecking order at left-back. To ensure he is fit and match-sharp for Scotland’s Euro 2024 bid, Tierney left north London in search of regular minutes.
Though he has had to deal with injury issues out in Spain, the former Celtic man has excelled with the amount of playing time he has received, and things are looking up for Sociedad, who have also qualified for the Champions League knockout stages.
The Gunners suffered bruising defeats against West Ham and Fulham over the festive period, casting further doubt on their title-winning credentials. Arsenal’s rise this season had been powered by their defensive solidity, which had compensated for their reduced potency in attack as they continue to operate with a talismanic striker.
However, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s form has worsened in recent weeks, and he was forced to miss the setback at Craven Cottage due to injury.
The former Manchester City utility man is expected to be ready for Sunday’s heavyweight FA Cup third-round match against Liverpool, which will be a welcome boost for Arteta considering that Takehiro Tomiyasu has now joined the Japan national team ahead of the 2019 Asia Cup.
Jakub Kiwior has filled in at left-back at times this season but has failed to impress, while Jurrien Timber, who is capable of doing so, is still recovering from an injury sustained on the opening day.
Despite all the issues, it is understood that Mikel Arteta will calling on Tierney, who the Spaniard feels can’t stay fit enough to be considered part of his plans. The report adds that all signs lead to the defender leaving the club permanently in the summer window, whether that will be to Sociedad or another team remains to be seen.
