Arsenal have decided against extending Kieran Tierney’s contract, and the left-back could leave in January or next summer.
According to The Athletic, Kieran Tierney is all set to leave Arsenal either in the 2025 summer transfer window or even in January. The Gunners have not taken up the option to extend his current deal, which expires in the summer, meaning the left-back will be allowed to speak with foreign clubs next month.
Kieran Tierney remains a popular player at Arsenal and among their fans, and many of those will be sad to see him leave. More than anything, the disappointment has been at the left-back’s inability to fulfil his promising potential, as the Gunners’ system has passed him by over the last couple of years.
Back in the summer he was available to leave, with many clubs showing an interest. However, the injury that he suffered during the Euros may have had a huge role to play in scuppering any potential move, as clubs will have decided to wait until January with the hope that he proves his fitness until then.
While Tierney had accepted his fate at the club a while ago, he did make a first appearance in more than one and a half years for Arsenal in the win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Following the game, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that the Gunners have not taken up the option of extending Tierney’s contract, which expires next summer.
The deadline to trigger the extension has passed, and the player has been made aware of the situation. Hence, it’s clear that Arsenal are open to letting him leave as the left-back, who cost them £25 million back in 2019, will ideally leave on a free transfer next summer or possibly even on a cut-price deal in January. Either way, he is free to hold talks with foreign clubs next month.
What next for Kieran Tierney?
Tierney did spend time on loan at Real Sociedad last season, but his spell there was largely impacted by a serious injury and other niggling problems. The Spanish club showed no intent of keeping him beyond that solitary season, as the left-back may have to look at other options. At Arsenal, the system has completely passed him by as Mikel Arteta was keen on different left0-back profiles.
There is a desire to re-join former side Celtic, as a lack of big offers in the January window or next summer could make Tierney consider a return to Glasgow. He has been a good enough player for Arsenal, but unfortunately, injuries and a different approach from Arteta may have prevented the left-back from fulfilling his potential at the Emirates.