Arsenal transfers: Work still needed to move on Arteta outcast as timeline emerges for end to defender’s frustration
Fabrizio Romano insists the future of Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney will become clearer next week with a move to Spain seemingly on the cards.
Tierney, 26, has been at the Emirates since 2019 after the Gunners paid Celtic in the region of £25m. The Scotland international has enjoyed 91 Premier League outings and 124 in all competitions. However, he spent the majority of last term in the bench.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival from Manchester City pushed the Isle of Man-born ace down the pecking order. And he was handed only six starts among 27 top-flight appearances.
He did start six of Arsenal’s Europa League games but clearly wants to have more involvement in the north Londoners’ domestic campaign.
Many clubs were linked once it was revealed that the left-back was considering his Arsenal future.
Both Newcastle United and Aston Villa were mentioned in connection with the defender.
And Premier League champions Manchester City were also thought to be keen. However, recent reports suggest a move to Spain could now be on the cards.
Real Sociedad are the latest club linked with Tierney although a move to Anoeta Stadium is far from straight forward.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has given his take on the issue and it seems as though there could be tough negotiations ahead.
“The future of Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney remains up in the air but I do know that Real Sociedad are keen to bring him to Spain as part of a loan move,” he wrote on CaughtOffside.
“But Arsenal at the moment insist on a permanent transfer.”
Tierney future soon to be revealed
There is no question that a player of Tierney’s class needs to see more game time than his current situation allows.
He is entering his peak years as a player and does not want to be restricted to cameo parts at the end of matches.
With that in mind, a move away from Arsenal seems best for all parties concerned.
It remains to be seen if any Premier League clubs throw their hats into the ring as the end of the summer window approaches.
Preliminary talks with La Real are said to have taken place.
The type of deal is clearly a sticking point but Romano expects to hear news in the coming days.
“The player is open to leaving Arsenal but there is no clarity yet on other clubs making official moves for the left-back,” he added.
“I think next week it will be clear who wants to sign Tierney from Arsenal.”
The man with 39 Scotland caps was not part of Mikel Arteta’s squad that beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Saturday.
It seems clear that he will not be at the club for 2023-2024 but his destination is still unknown.
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