Kieran Tierney
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on the future of Kieran Tierney at the club following the left-back’s first start in over 500 days during the Gunners’ 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory against Crystal Palace. Tierney played a pivotal role in the win, helping Arsenal secure a place in the competition’s semi-finals.
Despite speculation surrounding Tierney’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the current season, Arteta expressed confidence in the 27-year-old’s commitment to the team. Reports indicate that Arsenal opted not to activate a 12-month extension clause in Tierney’s contract, paving the way for his potential free departure in June.The deadline to trigger the extension has reportedly passed, and the Scottish international has been informed of the club’s decision.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday, Arteta emphasised Tierney’s importance to the squad.
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“At the moment, he’s here with us. I wouldn’t play a player that is thinking about leaving or is not committed to us, so he’s fully committed,” Arteta said. “He’s enjoying his football after a long period of recovery from a really tough injury. He deserves to be in the squad and played really well, so that’s the only thing I can say.”
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney (Image credit: Getty Images)
When asked if Tierney had expressed a desire to leave in January, Arteta clarified: “He hasn’t come to me and said, ‘I want to move.’ In the past, if we had any doubts, he came to me and said, ‘I think it’s my time to move,’ and this hasn’t been the case yet.”
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Tierney, who joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019, made his 125th appearance for the club in Wednesday’s match. While his quality has been evident, injuries have plagued his five seasons at the Emirates, limiting his overall impact. The 27-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, where he impressed but returned to Arsenal for the current season.
During Wednesday’s match, Tierney was substituted in the 69th minute after suffering an injury, with Myles Lewis-Skelly replacing him. Arsenal’s medical team provided treatment on the pitch before the substitution.
Speculation continues to grow regarding Tierney’s next move, with his former club Celtic strongly linked to a January transfer. For now, however, the defender remains an integral part of Arteta’s plans as Arsenal navigate a crucial period in their season.
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