Arsenal - David Ornstein
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have decided not to exercise the option to extend Kieran Tierney’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the current season, according to a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Tierney, who joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019, made his 125th appearance for the Gunners during Wednesday’s 3-2 EFL Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace. Despite showing flashes of his quality, the 27-year-old’s time at the Emirates has been marred by injuries, limiting his contributions across five seasons.
The Scotland international, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Real Sociedad, was substituted in the 69th minute against Palace after going down injured. Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced him following treatment by Arsenal’s medical team.
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While Arsenal had the option to extend Tierney’s contract by an additional 12 months, the club opted against it, allowing the full-back to leave on a free transfer when his current deal expires in June. The deadline to activate the extension has reportedly passed, and Tierney has been informed of the decision.
Kierney Tierney
Kieran Tierney made his first start for Arsenal this season against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)
This development paves the way for Tierney to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England starting January 1. Alternatively, a permanent transfer could be arranged during the January window, with interest reportedly coming from Premier League clubs, his former side Celtic, and teams abroad.
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In Wednesday’s match, Tierney delivered a solid performance before his premature exit, recording 63 touches, a 91% pass accuracy (38/47), and completing nine passes into the final third—joint-best with midfielder Mikel Merino. Defensively, he contributed with a clearance, an interception, and won all three of his duels.
Despite Tierney’s injury setback, Arsenal fans had plenty to celebrate as Gabriel Jesus scored a second-half hat-trick to secure the win. Eddie Nketiah added a late goal for Palace after Jean-Philippe Mateta had put the visitors ahead in the fourth minute of the game, but the Gunners advanced to the semi-finals, keeping their silverware ambitions alive.
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