Arsenal star casts future with Gunners into doubt after brazen Arteta admission

Kieran Tierney made a shock admission when quizzed about leaving Arsenal on loan, and one report has hinted the Scotland international might not have a future back at the Emirates.

The 26-year-old rarely put a foot wrong when wearing an Arsenal shirt, though those opportunities became increasingly rare in recent times.

Injuries were the initial barrier to Tierney’s time in north London truly being a success. However, the biggest issue came via the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukraine ace quickly displaced Tierney as Mikel Arteta’s No 1 pick at left-back.

Even more frustrating for Tierney was the fact Takehiro Tomiyasu – a right-back by trade – was occasionally deployed out of position at left-back ahead of Tierney in Zinchenko’s absences.

The end result saw Tierney loaned to LaLiga side Real Sociedad on August 27. Like Arsenal, Real Sociedad have Champions League football on offer this season.

Tierney’s season-long loan netted Arsenal a fee of around £1.2m, though an option to buy was not included in the agreement. As such, the left-back will return to the Emirates at season’s end.

However, when interviewed by the Daily Record the subject of leaving Arsenal was discussed. Tierney surprisingly admitted ditching the Gunners was an easy decision to make.

Given Arsenal are thriving under Mikel Arteta, came close to winning the Premier League last season and are back in the UCL for the first time since the 2016/17 campaig, Tierney’s comments may surprise a few.

“Was it a hard decision? No, it was an easy decision,” admitted Tierney regarding leaving Arsenal. “It was a big decision, but an easy decision. Clearly it’s a big change for me.

“Culturally, the league, the language, everything is different. But I think you have to embrace it and put yourself in uncomfortable positions sometimes.

“You just have to enjoy it, go make the most of it and learn everything you can. I want to grow as a person and grow as a player and that’s my ambition.”

In a follow-up article revolving around Tierney’s comments, the Mirror suggested Tierney’s remarks may well cause a stir back in north London.

And given the player’s loan agreement does not contain an option or obligation to buy, it’ll be interesting to see what Arsenal decide to do with Tierney come the 2024 summer window.

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