Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal appears to be nearing its conclusion, with the club opting against activating an option to extend his contract, which expires in June 2025. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Scottish international will leave the club next summer at the latest, though a permanent transfer could happen as early as the January transfer window.
Tierney, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Celtic, has endured a frustrating spell at the Emirates in recent seasons. Once a key figure in the starting XI, injuries and tactical shifts under Mikel Arteta have limited the 26-year-old’s role. This season, the emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and the arrival of Jurrien Timber have pushed Tierney further down the pecking order. Despite showing glimpses of his quality, Tierney has struggled to regain a regular starting spot, prompting speculation about his future.
The decision not to extend his contract signals Arsenal’s intention to part ways with the dynamic left-back. By allowing Tierney to leave either in January or at the end of the season, the club can recoup a transfer fee and reinvest in areas of need. Reports suggest that several clubs across Europe are monitoring Tierney’s situation, with his blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess making him an attractive option.
A potential January exit would allow Arsenal to cash in while Tierney still holds market value. For Tierney, a mid-season move could provide the opportunity to get some minutes.
Tierney’s impending departure marks the end of a chapter that began with much promise. The defender quickly became a fan favorite upon his arrival, admired for his no-nonsense style, leadership qualities, and passion on the pitch. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup triumph, delivering standout performances during their victorious campaign.
However, the evolution of Arsenal’s playing style under Arteta has not favored Tierney’s skill set. While Zinchenko’s inverted full-back role suits the team’s possession-based approach, Tierney’s more traditional attacking runs and defensive focus have left him as an alternative option rather than a mainstay.
For Arsenal, the decision to let Tierney go reflects the club’s commitment to streamlining its squad and building for the future. With the likes of Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu offering versatile defensive options, Arsenal appear confident in their ability to cope without the Scottish defender.
As for Tierney, his departure will bring mixed emotions among the Arsenal faithful. While his injury struggles limited his contributions, he remains a respected figure whose commitment and professionalism never wavered. Wherever he lands, Tierney will undoubtedly seek to reignite his career and remind the football world of the talent that made him one of Europe’s most promising full-backs.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal and Tierney now face crucial decisions about his immediate future. Whether he leaves in January or next summer, Tierney’s next move will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career—and the end of his journey in North London.