Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is poised to depart the Emirates next summer after the club decided against extending his contract, according toThe Athletic.
Tierney’s current deal runs out in June, and Arsenal can extend it by one year. That clause could have secured his transfer value so they could sell him for a decent sum.
However, the deadline to activate the extension has now lapsed, leaving Tierney free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1. A permanent transfer as early as the January window also remains a possibility.
There have been rumours of a return to Celtic, where he had established himself as one of the best defenders in Scotland after cutting his teeth in the youth ranks.
Tierney joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 for £25 million but has endured a torrid time under manager Mikel Arteta due toconstant injuries, limiting him to 125 appearances over five seasons.
Two potential Tierney replacements Arsenal must consider
Arsenal need to enter the left-back market this summer, with Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko potentially leaving the club. Also, first-choice option, Riccardo Calafiori, is injury-prone.
The Gunners can look to west London for one of the best operators in the country – Antonee Robinson. Following a fantastic 2023/24 campaign, there were doubts about whether the Fulham defender could keep up his rich vein of form, but he has taken his performances up another notch.
Robinson is pivotal in defence and attack. He delivered one of the best full-back performances you will ever see against Liverpool in his last outing, recording two assists while making five tackles, three interceptions, one block, and one clearance.
The 27-year-old American international won eight out of 14 duels against Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
AFC Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez is another top and younger option the Gunners must consider. The 21-year-old has been sensational for Andoni Iraola this season.
The Hungarian is tough on the ground, winning 65% of his duels. He has also bagged one assist and created four big chances in 16 Premier League appearances.
However, Kerkez is being courted by Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal will face intense competition for his signature if they enter the race.