Arsenal are preparing to reshape their defensive options this summer, with two fan favourites — Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko — set to be made available for transfer. The Gunners have reportedly made the difficult decision to part ways with both left-backs ahead of the upcoming transfer window, signaling a significant shift in Mikel Arteta’s plans for the 2025/26 season.
Tierney, currently on loan at Real Sociedad, has struggled to nail down a regular place in Arteta’s squad over the past two seasons due to persistent injury problems and tactical changes that have seen others favoured in his role. Once viewed as a future Arsenal captain and hailed for his tenacity and work ethic, the Scottish international has become a peripheral figure since the emergence of Zinchenko and the more recent deployment of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior at left-back.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Although Tierney has shown flashes of his old self in Spain, his injury record and Arsenal’s evolving tactical setup have made his permanent departure increasingly likely. The Gunners are expected to listen to offers as they look to cash in on the 27-year-old before his contract enters its final stages.
In a surprising twist, Arsenal are also open to offers for Zinchenko. The Ukrainian international, who arrived from Manchester City in 2022, played a key role in the Gunners’ title-challenging 2022/23 campaign, bringing technical quality and midfield fluidity to the left-back role. However, his defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent form have become a concern, particularly in high-intensity matches where Arsenal have struggled to maintain control on the flanks.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Zinchenko has missed parts of the current season through injury and has fallen behind in the pecking order, with Kiwior and even young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly being used in his position at times. Arteta, known for his ruthless decision-making when it comes to evolving the squad, appears ready to sanction the Ukrainian’s departure should the right offer arrive.
The decision to potentially offload both players reflects Arsenal’s intent to reinforce key areas of the pitch and perhaps bring in a new profile of left-back who better suits their long-term vision. With Riccardo Calafiori already being integrated, and Timber also offering versatility across the backline, Arsenal are clearly planning for the future.
Fans will no doubt have mixed emotions about the news. Both Tierney and Zinchenko have earned respect and admiration for their commitment and passion, but in a squad where margins are razor-thin, sentiment rarely trumps strategy.
As the summer window approaches, Arsenal’s business is expected to be proactive. With a return to the Champions League secured and ambitions to push for silverware, Arteta and the club’s recruitment team are making bold decisions to ensure the squad continues to evolve.
Selling two players of Tierney and Zinchenko’s stature might raise eyebrows, but it also signals the Gunners’ unwavering commitment to progress — no matter how tough the choices may be.