Kieran Tierney’s Uncertain Future with Arsenal
Kieran Tierney, the talented left-back who made a £25 million switch from Celtic to Arsenal in 2019, has hinted at an uncertain future with the Gunners. After struggling with a series of injuries, Tierney was sent on loan to Real Sociedad last August. Now, with Oleksandr Zinchenko taking over his position at Arsenal, Tierney is unsure what lies ahead for him.
Tierney quickly became a fan favorite among Arsenal supporters, with high expectations placed upon him. However, his progress in north London was hindered by injury setbacks. As a result, Mikel Arteta made the decision to send him out on loan. Arteta was unable to guarantee Tierney regular playing time in the Premier League.
Zinchenko, who joined Arteta from Manchester City in 2022, has made the left-back position his own. His ability to slot into the midfield has been instrumental in Arsenal’s development under Arteta. Tierney understands Arteta’s preference for Zinchenko, particularly due to the inverted full-backs system that Arteta employs. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Tierney admitted that it was hard to question Arteta’s choice considering the success of this tactical approach.
Tierney reflected on his time at Arsenal, acknowledging that the left-back position can be one of the most central roles in the team. He revealed that the introduction of inverted full-backs was a new concept for him, as he had originally started his career as a winger. Despite the initial challenges, Tierney chose to embrace the opportunity to learn and practice alongside one of the best players in that role. He praised Zinchenko’s natural ability and how effortlessly he adapted to the system.
While Tierney is currently under contract with Arsenal until 2026, it remains uncertain whether he will have a future with the club. When asked about his prospects at Arsenal, Tierney admitted that it was hard to say. He expressed his love for the club and his gratitude for the experiences he had there. However, he also emphasized how much he is enjoying his time at Real Sociedad and his adaptation to the team. Tierney praised the talented squad at Real Sociedad and expressed his hope to repay the faith the club has shown in him.
Tierney also acknowledged the challenges he faced when initially joining Arsenal, particularly in terms of adapting to a new environment. He credited the people at Arsenal for their support, emphasizing that without them, the transition would have been much more difficult. Tierney described the experience of playing for Arsenal as amazing, but also highlighted the difficulties and hurdles he had to overcome, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Tierney’s future with Arsenal remains uncertain, it is clear that he holds a deep appreciation for the opportunities and experiences he had at the club. Whether or not he returns to Arsenal, Tierney’s talent and determination will undoubtedly continue to shine on the football pitch.