Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has made it clear that Kieran Tierney is not part of his long-term vision for the club, signaling that the left-back is likely to move on in the upcoming January transfer window.
This revelation comes after Tierney’s difficult loan spell at Real Sociedad, which didn’t produce the expected outcomes.
There was considerable speculation that Tierney would leave Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
However, these plans were unexpectedly disrupted when he suffered a significant hamstring injury while playing for Scotland in a Euro 2024 group stage match against Switzerland, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The injury not only forced him to miss the rest of the tournament but also put any potential transfer talks on hold as he focused on his recovery.
Despite having now recovered from the injury, Tierney has been conspicuously absent from Arsenal’s matchday squads this season, raising further doubts about his future at the club.
Many fans seem to have almost forgotten about his presence, highlighting how far he has slipped down the pecking order under Arteta’s leadership.
Prominent Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has weighed in on the situation, stating clearly that the 27-year-old defender is no longer part of Arteta’s future plans.
Watts explained that this decision isn’t based on any personal issues between Arteta and Tierney, but rather reflects the tactical evolution of the team.
Arteta’s system has increasingly demanded different attributes from his defenders, and Tierney’s skill set no longer fits the style of play Arsenal is currently employing.
Watts also discussed Tierney’s injury recovery, pointing out that if not for his hamstring injury during the Euros, it’s highly likely that the Scottish international would have already moved on to a new club.
As it stands, it appears that Tierney may seek a loan move during the January transfer window in order to gain valuable playing time, with the long-term goal of securing a permanent move elsewhere.
Despite these professional setbacks, Tierney has maintained a strong bond with the Arsenal fanbase.
He remains a well-liked figure at the club, and many supporters have expressed sympathy for his situation.
Some fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration with how Tierney has been treated by the club, particularly given his contributions during more challenging periods.
One fan’s comment resonated with many, describing the club’s treatment of Tierney as “totally disrespectful” for a player who was seen as a standout performer during tougher times.
While they acknowledged the realities of modern football, they couldn’t help but feel that some players receive more favorable treatment than others.
As Arsenal continues to undergo changes, Tierney’s future remains uncertain.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, it will be interesting to see whether he secures a move away from the club in search of regular playing time and a fresh start.
