Arsenal have officially confirmed that midfield veteran Jorginho and left-back Kieran Tierney will leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts. The duo’s exits mark the first notable movements in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for the Gunners, as Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta look to reshape the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Jorginho, 33, arrived at Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023 and brought valuable experience and composure to Arteta’s midfield. Though not always a guaranteed starter, the Italy international played a key role in several high-stakes matches during his time at the Emirates, including Champions League knockout fixtures and crucial Premier League encounters. His tactical intelligence, leadership, and ball retention ability were highly valued by the coaching staff.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Jorginho of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the teams 1-0 victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However, with Arsenal focused on youth and dynamism in midfield — as seen with the rise of Declan Rice and the arrival of Mikel Merino — the decision was made not to extend Jorginho’s deal. He departs having made a number of appearances for the Gunners and leaves with the respect of both the fans and the dressing room.
Kieran Tierney’s departure is perhaps less surprising, albeit more emotional for supporters. The Scottish left-back joined Arsenal in 2019 from Celtic and quickly became a fan favourite for his tireless work rate, passion, and commitment. However, persistent injury issues and tactical changes under Arteta saw his role reduced in recent seasons, especially following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko and the emergence of Jakub Kiwior as a left-sided option.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the teams 1-0 victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Tierney, now 27, spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, where he impressed with consistent performances in La Liga and Europe. Despite interest from several clubs in Spain and the Premier League, Arsenal opted not to offer him a new deal, allowing the defender to pursue a new chapter in his career as a free agent.
Their departures also free up valuable space in the wage structure and open the door for potential summer reinforcements. Arsenal are widely expected to be active in the transfer market, with a striker, a winger, and further midfield depth reportedly among the top priorities for Andrea Berta and Arteta.
Both Jorginho and Tierney leave behind fond memories and will be remembered for their respective impacts during different stages of Arsenal’s rebuild under Arteta. As the club now looks ahead to another season of Premier League and Champions League football, this summer marks the beginning of another evolution — and these confirmed departures are the first steps in that process.
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